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Former New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski may seem immature at the surface, when it comes to his finances, the future Hall of Famer isn’t dumb. After his entire NFL career salary, as well as what’s leftover in endorsements, Gronk's net worth definitely matches his gigantic personality. Robert James Gronkowski may be the best tight end in NFL history, despite knee and back injuries that led to his retirement. Gronk started his high school career Amherst, New York before playing his senior year in Pennsylvania. Gronkowski played two seasons at the University of Arizona and was a Freshman All-American. After college, Gronkowski was a second-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. Gronk played just nine seasons — all with Tom Brady and the New England Patriots — winning three Super Bowls, including in his last year against the Los Angeles Rams. Gronk caught 521 passes for 7,861 yards and 79 touchdowns. He was selected to the AFC Pro Bowl team five times and was a First-Team All-Pro selection four times. He ranks 14th in NFL history in receiving yards and dominated in the playoffs. In nine seasons, Gronkowski made $24.7 million in contract money with just one season making more than $5 million. Thankfully, signing bonus and contract incentives helped him rack up the money. Thanks to endorsement deals with Nike, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Monster Energy, Gronk went his entire NFL career without spending any contract money, saving most of his career earnings. After football, Gronkowski invested in businesses like Gronk Fitness Products and does appearances for big-name brands. Today, Rob Gronkowski’s net worth is estimated around $40 million with a ton of money for the football player to make outside the sport. If he does return to the NFL, he'll only add to his resume as arguably the greatest tight end ever!

Since college football began, the only goal of every team has been to win a national championship. But unfortunately the other 129 FBS teams, only one can actually be crowned champions. Over the course of history, there have been a lot of great teams, but some of them didn’t win an NCAA championship and are remembered for coming up short. What teams are the best college football teams to never bring home the trophy? In 1959, the Ole Miss Rebels missed out on a national title. LSU's Billy Cannon scored a game-winning touchdown to beat the Rebels, which ultimately earned him the Heisman Trophy. Ole Miss lost only one game that season, but did get revenge on LSU in the Sugar Bowl. The Florida State Seminoles team in 1987, led by Deion Sanders and head coach Bobby Bowden, were a two-point conversion away from defeating Miami, and the Hurricanes went on to win it all that year. The 1994 Penn State Nittany Lions had two Heisman Trophy finalists and finished the season undefeated, but weren't given a chance to play for the title against Nebraska in the Orange Bowl. The 2002 Miami Hurricanes were loaded players headed for the NFL Draft and were headed for a second-straight title before Willis McGahee's devastating knee injury in the BCS National Championship game. Auburn won the SEC Championship went undefeated in 2004, but the USC Trojans and Oklahoma Sooners were given the nod to decide college football's champion. If the College Football Playoff existed, the Tigers would've gotten their shot. One of the best teams ever was the 2005 USC Trojans. However, Vince Young and the Texas Longhorns won the title in what many consider to be the greatest Rose Bowl ever played. Much like that '02 Miami team, the Florida Gators, Urban Meyer and Tim Tebow were ready to repeat as champs in 2009. However, the Alabama Crimson Tide smoked them in the SEC title game. The 2011 LSU Tigers went undefeated in the regular season, but Nick Saban and 'Bama ultimately shut them out, 21-0, in the title game. In 2016, the ACC-champion Clemson Tigers knocked off an incredible Alabama team in what's been called college football's Game of the Decade. Let us know in the comments which of these great teams most-deserved the title! Check out more on Fanbuzz.com!

Nothing beats the pageantry, the fans and the overall atmosphere of a college football game. From filling 100,000-plus seat stadiums to mascots that just don’t quit, there is nothing like Saturdays in the fall. The college football season kicks off with a few huge games, as fans will pour into stadiums around the country to see the 2018 version of their favorite university’s program. When teams take the field, expect the noise to be deafening and the ground beneath your feet to shake, literally. Tradition is the backbone of college football. Universities look for creative ways to engage fans and make their football programs stand out from the rest of the pack, and the best way to make yourself known is by making a great first impression. When teams take the field, it’s time for business. Some universities have a knack for giving you goosebumps while other entrances simply make the other team stop and take a peak at the show. From player tributes to iconic sports songs, there are 15 college football entrances that stand high above the rest. 15. Oregon’s Duck Rides a Motorcycle If you’ve ever ridden a motorcycle, you know that it’s a four limb job — one hand’s on the front brake, and the other operates the clutch. 14. Nebraska Walks It Out The Cornhuskers’ slow, methodical journey underneath “The Sea of Red” at Memorial Stadium sets the tone for Nebraska’s long tradition of football excellence 13. Arizona State Honors a Hero Beginning in the 2013 season, the Sun Devils honored former all-conference linebacker Pat Tillman, who lost his life serving in Afghanistan in 2004, by building a statue of him, and creating a new aura for Arizona State football to look toward 12. Texas A&M’s Fightin’ Aggies Band The Texas A&M drumline marches out ahead of the Aggies at Kyle Field, home of the 12th man, and sets the stage for their SEC powerhouse to take the field. 11. Oklahoma’s Sooner Schooner Two white horses, rightfully named Boomer and Sooner, pull the replica Studebaker Conestoga wagon on and around Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium to welcome the Sooners to the field, but also after Oklahoma touchdowns. 10. Georgia Tech’s Ramblin’ Wreck Georgia Tech’s nickname is the Yellow Jackets, and their mascot is Buzz, but it’s a 1930 Ford Model A Sport Coupe that serves as the student body’s official mascot 9. Michigan’s Iconic Banner The Michigan Wolverines have been playing football since 1879 and they’ve touched the Go Blue Banner since 1962. 8. Texas Tech’s Masked Rider Since the 1954 Gator Bowl, Texas Tech’s “Masked Rider” has led the team onto the field, but he was first seen roaming Texas Tech’s sidelines in 1936. 7. Colorado Runs with Ralphie There are live mascots, and then there’s this insanity. The Colorado Buffaloes began running Ralphie around the Colorado stadium before each half of home football games in 1967. 6. Miami’s Smoke Since the 1950s, the Miami Hurricanes have entered the field through a cloud of smoke in one of college football’s best entrances. The smoke is produced by fire extinguishers, and the Hurricanes’ emerge in an awe-inspiring moment that is only fitting for “The U.” 5. South Carolina’s Space Odyssey The song was made popular by the 1968 film “2001: A Space Odyssey,” but the University of South Carolina has put the movie’s iconic song to good use. Since 1983, the Gamecocks have taken the field while the melody blares over the speakers at Williams-Brice Stadium. 4. Florida State’s Tomahawk Chop Chief Osceola rides in on Renegade and plants his spear at midfield while the Florida State faithful let their iconic war chant ring into the Tallahassee air during pregame ceremonies. The tomahawk chop, though, is mind-bending. Doak Campbell Stadium seats around 80,000 people, and all able-bodied FSU fans raise their arms, and chop in unison. 3. Tennessee Runs Through the T The Pride of the Southland marching band sets the base of the iconic ‘T’ formation near the end zone, where the Tennessee football team gathers. The orange and white clad Volunteers run through the T onto the field, hanging a left towards their sideline for the opening kickoff. 2. Clemson Touches Howard’s Rock Samuel C. Jones picked up a rock while traveling through Death Valley, California in the 1960s, and gave it to then-head coach Frank Howard. The rock was eventually set up in the East end zone at Memorial Stadium, where it remains today. Howard, who coached at Clemson for 30 years, once said “If you’re going to give me 110 percent, you can rub that rock. If you’re not, keep your filthy hands off of it.” 1. Virginia Tech’s Enter Sandman If you’ve made it this far, you’ve realized that the ACC is by far the most electric conference for entrances in college football, and Virginia Tech is far and away the most exciting. Blacksburg, Virginia is one of the toughest atmospheres to play at in all of college football, and when you hear the first few notes of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman,” you better hope you’re not an opposing team. Read more about these traditions here: https://fanbuzz.com/college-football/15-electric-cfb-entrances/

An NFL referee is either your team’s best friend or its worst enemy. There is no in-between about it. Take the 2018 NFC Championship Game between the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Rams, for example. You either love them dearly or hate them unmercifully. The feeling toward NFL officiating — from the regular season to the playoffs — will never change, either. In many ways it takes a lot to be an NFL referee, and it’s not even a full-time job. There are no days off or company health insurance. All NFL officials need to be physically fit, know the rules of the game, and be able to make a correct call in a split second. Don’t worry, though. They get paid so much money. According to various outlets, including FanDuel, the average annual salary National Football League referee is set to make $205,000 starting in 2019. That’s more than some doctors. With 17 weeks in the NFL regular season, a referee would make over $12,000 per NFL game this season. That doesn’t even include the bonus checks game officials receive during postseason football games, including the Super Bowl. This paves the way for umpires, head linesman/down judges, line judges, field judges, side judges and back judges to move up in the ranks. So whether you only graduated from high school or earned your Master’s degree, you can live the American dream with an NFL referee salary like longtime ref John Parry did and never have to worry after the big game is over.

Each and every year, like clockwork, new NFL officials are hired. Most of them have been in stripes their entire careers, finally getting their shot at the big time, but there’s something unique about 2019 as two former NFL players have joined the team. Field judge Nate Jones, a defensive back who had an eight-year pro career, including with the New England Patriots, joins the NFL officials list after spending time in the Pac-12 Conference, while Umpire Terry Killens, a linebacker for seven NFL seasons with the Oilers/Titans, 49ers and Seahawks, makes the move up from the American Athletic Conference. There are six first-year officials in total. Side Judges Dave Hawkshaw and Jimmy Russell, down judge Patrick Holt, and line judge Tripp Sutter join Jones and Killens for the upcoming NFL season after longtime referees Walt Coleman, John Parry and Pete Morelli retired at the end last season. Line judge Jeff Bergman, who is entering his 28th NFL season, is now the longest-serving official, according to The Associated Press. There’s also one set of father-son officials (Steve and Brad Freeman), three sons of former NFL referees (Shawn Hochuli, Alex Kemp and line judge Walt Coleman IV), and three sets of brothers (Allen and Rusty Baynes, Jeff and Jerry Bergman, and Carl, Dino, and Perry Paganelli) on the NFL roster, per the AP. Although it is rare for a former player to become an official, Jones and Killens are not the only ones. Back judge Steve Freeman (former defensive back) and down judge Phil McKinnely (former offensive lineman) both played several seasons in the National Football League. Officiating isn’t easy. Pro football is even tougher. These new officials, whose headquarters are in New York, have their work cut out for them, but they know the game better than most of the players on the field.

Nokona gloves are more than just baseball mitts, they're American history. For generations, American softball and baseball players have slipped Nokonas over their hands and headed out to the field. From the heart of Nocona, Texas, these baseball gloves and fastpitch softball gloves have become an integral part of Nocona's community, even going so far as to host a huge baseball tournament each spring to celebrate youth baseball. So what makes a Nokona glove better than a Wilson or Rawlings? Well, Nokona ball gloves are the only gloves made in America today. Whether you're slipping those gloves on your right hand or left hand, the amazing craftsmanship of American workers is evident in every single stitch. From youth slowpitch to the major league, Nokona gloves have graced the hands of pro athletes like Nolan Ryan and, if we're being honest, your grandpa probably had a Nokona baseball glove, too. So few items are made in the USA today, but Nokona is more than a baseball brand with awesome catcher's mitts, first base gloves, and outfield and infielder mitts, it's a lifestyle. By focusing on creating a sustainable future, Nokona plans to be making ball gloves in the United States for decades to come. Once you see how these leather goods become youth baseball gloves in the video above, you'll agree that in Nocona, Texas, Nokona gloves are made with care. Whether you've got a buckaroo aiming to become the next big MLB star or you're looking to get back on the ball field yourself, there really is nothing like a glove straight from the heart of Texas. For more, check out: fanbuzz.com

No one changed the game of basketball like Michael Jordan, but how much did that stardom earn him? Check out His Airness' career earnings right here: https://fanbuzz.com/nba/michael-jordan-net-worth/

The Alliance of American Football ended without finishing its first season. Where did the AAF go wrong? Read about the AAF's collapse here: https://fanbuzz.com/aaf/aaf-collapse-by-the-numbers/

Every college football fan knows about the famous Miami Hurricanes Turnover Chain, but how much does it actually cost? https://fanbuzz.com/college-football/miami-turnover-chain-cost/

Delanie Gourley, a National Pro Fastpitch player, compared her pro salary to the bat boy of the New York Yankees, and the result will shock you. Read more about the incredibly low wages of professional softball players here: https://fanbuzz.com/college-softball/delanie-gourley-softball-contract/

The NCAA Tournament is famous for unknown teams busting brackets and making a deep run. Check out more of March Madness greatest Cinderella teams right here: https://fanbuzz.com/college-basketball/march-madness-cinderella-teams/

Throughout NBA history, there have been some unbelievable players, iconic performances, and even some ludicrous fines handed out. Yet, there have been some amazing things that oftentimes don’t get the attention and credit they deserve. Pregame rituals certainly top that list. https://fanbuzz.com/nba/coolest-nba-pregame-rituals/

Before Anthony Davis became an NBA superstar, he was a BEAST in college. In his only season at Kentucky, The Brow dominated the SEC and NCAA Tournament. He won every award possible and helped the Wildcats win the 2012 national championship. https://fanbuzz.com/college-basketball/anthony-davis-kentucky-games/

The Alliance of American Football may be young, but its attendance numbers and TV ratings prove this league is here to stay. Read more about the AAF's attendance on a massive opening weekend here: https://fanbuzz.com/aaf/san-antonio-aaf-opening-weekend/

Every March, the NCAA Tournament takes the sports world by storm! Get ready for another insane year of buzzer-beaters and huge upsets here: https://fanbuzz.com/

Being a superstar athlete at the highest level is basically like winning the lottery. Golden State Warriors superstar guard Steph Curry is the perfect example of that. https://fanbuzz.com/nba/steph-curry-nba-salary/

Which quarterback is going to win Super Bowl LIII MVP? See tons of Super Bowl news and coverage here: https://fanbuzz.com/

Every star quarterback needs an insurance policy, and these backups made the most of their money in 2018. Check out the other highest paid backups at FanBuzz.com here: https://fanbuzz.com/nfl/highest-paid-backup-qbs/

Find out how J.J. Watt starts his pregame routine: https://fanbuzz.com/nfl/jj-watt-pregame-routine/.

Competition might be fierce between them, but these three superstars have a brotherly-bond like no other. Learn more about this awesome NFL trio here: https://fanbuzz.com/nfl/watt-brothers-bromance/

The Dodgers' great fought back against racism both on and off the baseball diamond. Check out more MLB coverage at FanBuzz.com: https://fanbuzz.com/mlb/president-george-h-w-bush-first-pitches/

The greatest player in NBA history wasn't always so confident. Check out what he's doing these days in the Charlotte community: https://fanbuzz.com/nba/michael-jordan-relief-donation/

Which team would you like to see him play for? To find out what could be next for Bolt, check it out here: https://fanbuzz.com/soccer/austin-bold-usain-bolt/.

Back when football was played like rugby, it was so dangerous that high school-aged boys were dying on the field. What would've happened had Teddy Roosevelt actually abolished football? Stay up to date on your favorite teams: https://fanbuzz.com/.

The Washington Huskies' live mascot isn't a husky at all! It's an Alaskan Malamute. Have you checked in on the Huskies lately? Here's where you should start: https://fanbuzz.com/college-football/pac-12/washington/espn-mark-jones-uw-trolling/.