ESPN the Body Issue 2012: Rob Gronkowski Fuels Good-Time Reputation by Posing

Rob Gronkowski has already made a reputation for himself off the football field. After the Patriots lost to the Giants in the Super Bowl, videos surfaced showing "Gronk" partying the night away in a nightclub.

There's also an equally famous video showing Gronkowski telling an ESPN Deportes reporter "Yo soy fiesta" after the Patriots won a game last season.

These two videos give Gronk an interesting reputation. He obviously likes to have a good time and, as long as he's a Pro Bowl-caliber player, he will be able to do it. His personality has shone through on the field, and he's made a fast reputation off of it.

Gronk only adds to that reputation by posing in this year's ESPN Body Issue. He's continues to live his life in the fast lane and add to his rising status in the sporting world.

These are the kinds of things that set young athletes apart. Some are humble, reserved and happy to be where they are, while others love to push the envelope.

I'm not saying Gronk pushes the envelope in a bad way, because he doesn't. He seems like a harmless oaf off the field and a calculated weapon of destruction on it.

I just think he knows how to separate work and play. Posing in this magazine stakes to that claim. World-class athlete or not, this magazine isn't for everyone. You have to have the personality, and obviously the body, to pull it off.

Gronkowski has taken the next step in ensuring that he isn't just a great player, but that he's his own brand. He's going to outgrow the term tight end and grow into the moniker of NFL star.

This magazine expedites that process by portraying Gronkowski as a fun-loving frat boy once again.