Rob Gronkowski Voted Sixth Most-Liked Player in NFL By Nielsen

While Rob Gronkowski might not be on New England Patriots fans’ best side at the moment, he’s very liked by fans around the NFL.

According to a poll ran by Nielsen and its partner, E-Poli Market Research, and reported by Forbes.com, all-pro tight-end Gronk is the 6th most liked player in the NFL. Also included on the list are the likes of Aaron Rodgers, Peyton Manning, Donald Driver, Robert Griffin III and Troy Polamalu. Most surprisingly Gronk is the only Patriot on the list. Teammate Tom Brady, 2-time NFL MVP and 3-time Super Bowl champion did not make the list.

Since Gronk has entered the NFL, he’s led the league in receiving touchdowns, 38, five more than the second closest person Calvin Johnson, who’s the best wide receiver in the NFL. His impact on the Patriots from his rookie season until now has been key to the Patriots above-average success the past three seasons.

It’s no shocker that Gronk is on this list. Since coming into the league in 2010, he’s become one of the faces in the NFL. He’s also been the best tight end in his short career so far. From the bubbly personality, touchdown spikes to off-the field incidents including dancing in the club numerous times with his shirt off, he’s grown a huge following.

Knowing how the public feels about the New England Patriots and Boston sports in general it’s most surprising to see him so high on the list and ahead of RG3 and Driver.

With some of the other nine most-liked players older and possibly on there way out of the league, it won’t be a surprise if Gronk ever reaches the top three. Until then maybe Gronk will continue to be loved by fans and hated by defenses all around the league.