Rob Gronkowski pays heartfelt tribute to ex-Patriots cheerleader and CharityTeams founder Susan Hurley: "She always had a smile on her face"

When former Patriots star Rob Gronkowski takes the field, fans celebrate the touchdowns, the energy, the unforgettable plays. Off the field, however, his heroes look very different. For Gronkowski, one of those heroes was Susan Hurley, the former Patriots cheerleader who transformed charitable giving through athletic events. Hurley passed away Saturday after a brave battle with ovarian cancer, leaving behind a legacy that touched runners, nonprofits, and countless Boston communities.Hurley’s impact was huge. As the founder of CharityTeams, she helped connect athletes with causes, raising more than $42 million through events like the Boston Marathon. First-time marathoners found a mentor and partner in her, while charities relied on her expertise to reach new donors. Her work became more than fundraising — it became a lifeline for organizations and individuals striving to make a difference.Rob Gronkowski shared a personal tribute on Instagram, reflecting on the deep friendship he and his family shared with Hurley. “She always did it out of love, her love of the game, her love of people, her love of helping others, and her love for the kids,” Gronkowski wrote. “Without Susan, there would be no Gronk Playground.” The playground, located on Boston’s Esplanade, stands as a reminder of her influence and generosity. He went on to talk about the personal connection she had with the Gronk family. “She became a good friend of ours and supported our foundation more than words can express,” he said. “Her strength and resilience were truly inspirational, and she will be greatly missed.”The Boston Athletic Association also paid tribute to Hurley, recognizing the profound mark she left on the running community. In a post on X, the organization wrote, “The Boston Athletic Association and the global running community mourn the passing of Susan Hurley, a friend and leader who participated in numerous B.A.A. events.” They noted that Hurley had a unique ability to “amplify the spirit of road running” while supporting charitable causes worldwide.Hurley’s family confirmed that CharityTeams will continue under the leadership of her sons, Max and Ryan McGillivray, ensuring that her mission and commitments endure. Bill and Denise Richard of the Martin Richard Foundation praised her impact, saying, “She was the driving force behind Team MR8. We owe its continued success to her and all the charity runners she inspired.”Susan Hurley’s impact reached far beyond running events. Her love for helping others and caring for her community left a mark that will last for years. Tributes from fans, athletes, and charities show how much she changed the meaning of giving back, on and off the field.More NFL coverage:Jason Kelce reveals Thanksgiving 2025 plans, says wife Kylie and mom Donna do most of the cooking, he just handles one thing“I wasn’t going to die”: FOX Sports Charissa Thompson shuts down wild rumors after Thursday Night Football on-air health scare