Super Bowl 2012: Ankle Injury Won't Be a Problem for Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski

It's only natural that Rob Gronkowski's left ankle injury is getting so much attention heading into Super Bowl XLVI.

He is, after all, the man who just set the NFL single-season record for touchdowns by a tight end.

But New England Patriots fans needn't be worried about Gronkowski. For one, he greeted the media in Indianapolis on Tuesday without a walking boot. Also, in more simplistic terms, he's a beast.

Beyond catching 17 touchdown passes this season, Gronkowski also set another NFL single-season record: most receiving yards by a tight end (1,327).

However, the second-year pro wouldn't have exploded onto the scene without hard work, dedication and an admirable toughness. After all, "Gronk" was a second-round pick in 2010. What has made him so popular this season—other than his numbers—has been his willingness to do whatever it takes to help the Patriots to victory after victory. He rarely goes down on first contact, even against bigger defenders and smaller defenders have a hard time bringing him down period. Sure, part of that is that he's a 6'6", 265-pound freight train, but a lot of it also has to do with his unquestionable desire.

So, when he's listed as "questionable," there really is no question that he will be out there on Super Sunday against the New York Giants and he'll likely play very well in the process.

Another thing that makes Gronkowski so special in the Patriots' offense is that his mere presence allows for other opportunities in the passing game. More specifically, it gives tight end Aaron Hernandez more room to work. Hernandez, don't forget, had 79 catches for 910 yards and seven touchdowns this season. He's also added 121 receiving yards and a touchdown in two playoff games. In most offenses throughout the NFL, he'd be the No. 1 tight end.

We also need to take into account that his injury may not be as bad as the Patriots are making it seem. Head coach Bill Belichick has been notoriously tight-lipped regarding injuries throughout his career and he's not going to change that a week before the Super Bowl.

I have no doubt Gronkowski is hurting, but if you think it's going to keep him from making an impact against the Giants, you're dreaming.