MANHATTAN, Kan. – Former Kansas State fullbackGlenn Gronkowski signed a rookie free agent deal with his hometown team, the Buffalo Bills, following the conclusion of the 2016 NFL Draft on Saturday night.

 

Gronkowski, a native of Amherst, New York, becomes the fourth member of his immediate family to play in the NFL, joining four-time Pro Bowl tight endRob (Patriots), another tight end inDan (Lions, Broncos, Patriots, Browns) and a fullback in Chris (Cowboys, Colts, Broncos).

 

A three-year All-Big 12 performer, Gronkowski played in 39 career games with 20 starts during his three-year career. He hauled in 15 passes for 369 yards and five touchdowns as his 24.6-yard career reception average ranks first in school history among players with at least 15 catches. He also rushed 16 times for 51 yards and one touchdown.

 

Gronkowski’s best season on the receiving end came as a redshirt freshman in 2013 when he caught five passes for 194 yards – an astonishing 38.8 yards per reception – with touchdowns against UMass (50 yards), Oklahoma State (67 yards) and Kansas (29 yards). He took on more of a load running the ball as a junior last season when he rushed 11 times for 45 yards, including an eight-yard touchdown at Kansas.

 

Other Kansas State players who have signed free agent deals will be released once announced by their respective teams.

 

K-State opens its 2016 season on Friday, September 2, as the Wildcats face Stanford in Palo Alto, California, in a nationally-televised matchup. Following an off week in which Bill Snyder Family Stadium will host the Wildcat Kickoff music festival featuring Zac Brown Band and Train, the Wildcats open their home slate on September 17, against Florida Atlantic.

Ryan Lackey, Asst. Director/Communications