WNYer proud of son going to Super Bowl

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. (WIVB) - A native son is gearing up for the Super Bowl, and Rob Gronkowski's family couldn't be more proud.

Last year, western New Yorkers rooted for Niagara Falls native James Starks when the Packers won the Super Bowl. This year, Amherst native Rob Gronkowski of the Patriots is in the big game.

The Gronkowski's have become the first family of western New York football, with three brothers in the NFL.  And their dad, Gordy Gronkowski, who owns G & G Fitness stores, takes great pride in his son's accomplishments.

"It's unbelievable. Every week in my life right now, it's just so unbelievable. I wake up every morning, and I can't believe what's happening. I pick up the New York Times, and here Robbie's in the New York Times, hes got a half page in the New York Times. I pickk up our paper and Robbie's picture is here and there. I turn on ESPN, he's all over ESPN Sports Center. Every time I turn something on now, he's on, it's just so crazy," said Gordy.

22-year-old Rob Gronkowski has helped lead New England to Super Bowl XLVI and Gordy is ready to make the trip to the game next week. Gordy says his second-youngest son has grown up a lot since being drafted by the Patriots two years ago. And he's handling all the attention of a Super Bowl appearance very well.

"Every day he gets more mature, and it's great to see. He's only 22-years-old. To see him handling all this that's coming at him, it's just amazing what's come on here the last few weeks," said Gordy.

Gordy says Rob suffered a high ankle sprain in the AFC Championship game last Sunday. But he says with two weeks to go until the Super Bowl, he expects his son will be fine for the game.