Rob Gronkowski Ties Shannon Sharpe for 3rd-Most TD Receptions for a TE

Rob Gronkowski is only 26 years old, but he's moving up the record books at a stellar pace.

The New England Patriots star caught his 62nd career touchdown reception early in the first quarter Thursday night on a 47-yard pass from Tom Brady, tying Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe for the third-most TD catches by a tight end in NFL history, per ESPN Stats & Info.

Gronkowski had to work hard to get this touchdown. After making the catch, Gronkowski stiff-armed a Miami Dolphins defender while Brandon LaFell cleared the way to the end zone. ESPN.com's Mike Reiss acknowledged LaFell's huge block for Gronk's big touchdown:

The NFL's official Twitter account shared the replay:

The score was Gronkowski's seventh touchdown reception of the year and gave the Patriots a 7-0 lead over the red-hot Dolphins, who are looking for their third straight win under interim head coach Dan Campbell.

The Patriots, meanwhile, are looking to improve their record to 7-0 to start the season.