Smith MBA Dan Gronkowski Scores High Marks in the Classroom and on the Football Field

The term student-athlete is often a misnomer, but not when it comes to Dan Gronkowski. As a full-time MBA student and the starting tight end for the University of Maryland's football team, Gronkowski has achieved success in two worlds: academics and athletics.

Gronkowski grew up in Amherst, NY, a suburb of Buffalo, and comes from an athletic family. Gronkowski's father, Gordie Sr., was a standout offensive lineman who played college ball at Syracuse, and his mother Diane played high school basketball. His brother, Gordie, Jr., played first base at Jacksonville University (Fla.). His brothers Chris and Rob both play football for the University of Arizona, while his youngest brother Glenn plays football and baseball for Williamsville High.

Gronkowski starred at quarterback in high school, and it was at this position that he was recruited by colleges. He selected Maryland after choosing its athletic scholarship offer over the University of Buffalo's. But during his freshman year, he switched to tight end to get on the field quicker.

It was a smart move. Gronkowski is described in his Maryland player bio as a "good-sized, blocking tight end with sure hands." The Buffalo News praises Gronkowski "as one of the best blocking tight ends in the country." During Maryland's 2008 campaign, Gronkowski hauled in 29 catches for 287 yards and three touchdowns, all career highs. He caught at least one pass in 10 of Maryland's 12 games, and received honorable-mention on the All-ACC team.

But Gronkowski had another plan during his freshman year: getting into the Smith MBA program. He finished his undergraduate degree in marketing in only three years, and will graduate in May 2009 with his MBA.

In October, Gronkowski was nominated as a semifinalist for the Draddy Trophy, which is recognizes academic excellence for a college football player. He was also nominated for the 2008 NFF National-Scholar Athlete Awards. In addition, Gronkowski is awaiting word from the NCAA on whether he has been named as an academic All-American. He’s had the highest grade-point average among Maryland football players for three years running.

Gronkowski cites effective scheduling as the key to succeeding both in the classroom and on the playing field. "It's a ton of work on both fronts. It's important to know where you have to be and what you have to deliver," said Gronkowski.

His immediate future plans are very different than those of the typical MBA student. Once Maryland wraps up its season in the Humanitarian Bowl on Dec. 30, 2008 (ESPN, 4:30 p.m. EST) Gronkowski will begin training for the NFL scouting combine in mid-February. After that, he'll prepare the NFL draft in late April and wait to see where he's selected. Current projections have Gronkowski going in the 4th round of the draft; his brothers Chris and Rob are regarded to have excellent NFL prospects as well. Well, there is one aspect that’s similar to the typical student: the little matter of completing his MBA students.

And it should come as no surprise that Gronkowski is thinking ahead even further. After his planned NFL career, Dan plans to become an entrepreneur. One thing is certain: it would be wise not to bet against him. 

Pete Baird, MBA Candidate 2009, Smith Media Group