Former NFL Star Rob Gronkowski Honors “Childhood Hero” Hulk Hogan With an Emotional Tribute

The wrestling community is in mourning following the tragic passing of Hulk Hogan at 71. The iconic figure died on July 24th after suffering a cardiac arrest. Emergency medical personnel were dispatched to Hogan’s home in Clearwater, Florida, at 9:51 a.m., but despite their efforts, he passed away about an hour later. Just last month, Hogan was hospitalized due to neck and back pain, sparking speculation about his declining health. Often compared to Babe Ruth for his influence in the wrestling world, Hogan was a 12-time world champion across WWE and WCW. In the wake of his passing, former NFL star Rob Gronkowski shared an emotional tribute to Hogan, highlighting just how far-reaching the Hulkster’s impact truly was.The former New England Patriots player took to social media to pay tribute to his childhood hero. The four-time Super Bowl winner shared a picture of himself with the Hulkster and wrote a heartfelt note. “RIP Hulkster. Childhood Hero, an absolute legend, an entertainer, just one of the purest of all times. So glad I got to meet you last year, it was an honor. Let me tell you something brother, you will always be remembered.”Hogan was the face of professional wrestling for decades and played a key role in helping Vince McMahon transform WWE into a global phenomenon. His accolade of main-eventing the first nine WrestleManias is still unmatched today, and his cultural influence is gonna going to be surpassed. Not only the NFL but the wrestling world came together to pay tribute to perhaps the greatest of all time. Former arch-nemesis and fellow legend Ric Flair paid an emotional tribute to one-half of the most influential wrestlers in history. The 16-time world champion posted some photos alongside Hogan and said, “.....Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business. An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father! Our Friendship Has Meant The World To Me. He Was Always There For Me Even When I Didn’t Ask For Him To Be……”Next up was Vince McMahon. Hogan and the former WWE CEO were the driving forces to make wrestling mainstream in the 80s, and in a rare public statement, McMahon credited Hogan as the greatest to ever do it. McMahon took to X and wrote, "....The world lost a treasure today. Hulk Hogan was the greatest WWE Superstar of ALL TIME, someone who was loved and admired around the world….He gave everything he had to the audience whom he appreciated, respected, and loved."The Undertaker also had some kind words for the Hulkster. For the unversed, the Hall of Famer won his first WWE title against Hogan at Survivor Series 1991. He wrote, “The wrestling world has lost a true legend. His contributions to our business are immeasurable, and for that, I am appreciative. Thank you, Hulk Hogan.”Also read: WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan dies at 71 after reported cardiac arrest