Ex-Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski Joins Fox as NFL Studio Analyst

Rob Gronkowski has his next gig.

The former New England Patriots tight end will be joining Fox NFL Sunday as a regular analyst, the network announced Tuesday.

"I'm extremely excited to be joining FOX Sports,” Gronkowski said in a statement, according to Pro Football Talk's Josh Alper. "For the past 25 years, they’ve offered viewers top-notch NFL programming from the field to the booth to the studio. Their deep talent roster is unmatched, which was important for me as I embark on this new chapter in my life because I’ll be able to learn from the best in the business."

Gronkowski will make his television debut prior to Thursday night's contest between the Patriots and New York Giants. 

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo first reported Gronkowski was headed to Fox. 

"We're thrilled Rob chose Fox Sports for the next phase of his football life," Brad Zager, executive producer and executive vice president, head of production and operations for Fox Sports, said in a statement. "He is one of the most popular players to ever play the game and also one of the best tight ends in NFL history. His passion for the game and larger-than-life personality make him a perfect fit for Fox Sports."

Gronkowski made his name on the field as the best tight end in football during his time with the Patriots. In nine seasons, the 30-year-old caught 521 passes for 7,861 yards and 79 touchdowns. He was a five-time Pro Bowler, four-time first-team All-Pro and three-time champion. 

His 17 touchdown receptions in 2011 is the most in history by a tight end in a single season, and tied for fifth most overall. 

But along with his experience and on-field pedigree, Gronkowski also developed a reputation for having a gregarious personality and being the life of the party off the field. That personality, paired with his football knowledge, should make him a natural fit on Fox as an NFL analyst. 

It's unclear what his exact role will be going forward, with Curt Menefee, Terry Bradshaw, Michael Strahan, Jimmy Johnson and Howie Long currently serving handling the network's pregame shows. On Thursday, Gronkowski will join Bradshaw, Strahan, Tony Gonzalez and Peter Schrager on the network's pregame coverage.