Rob Gronkowski Shares Heartfelt Tribute For Former Patriots Cheerleader

Former New England Patriots star Rob Gronkowski is mourning the loss of Susan Hurley, a onetime Pats cheerleader who became devoted to numerous charitable endeavors.

Hurley, 62, passed away Saturday after a years-long battle with ovarian cancer. She was diagnosed with the disease in 2022, according to her obituary.

"Family, friends, and runners will remember Susan fondly for her energy, commitment, and wisdom - a mother and cheerleader to all," the obit reads. "She made the world a better place and everyone around her better people. Although she passed at 62, her life was full."

A native of North Reading, Massachusetts, Hurley became a Patriots cheerleader in the 1980s. In 2008, she founded CharityTeams, which helps nonprofits raise money through athletic events.

One of the many people she worked with throughout her career in philanthropy was Gronkowski, who shared his tribute to Hurley in an Instagram post Tuesday.

"We lost a good one over the weekend," Gronkowski began. "Susan Hurley has known my family and I for a long time, she became a good friend of ours and supported our foundation more than words can express over the years."

Hurley helped make Gronk Playground a reality

Gronkowski opened Gronk Playground, a $2 billion refurbishment of the former Charlesbank Playground in Boston, back in August. Hurley was instrumental in getting that project off the ground, Gronkowski said in his remembrance post.

"Without Susan, there would be no Gronk Playground," he wrote. "I’m thankful that her legacy can live on through the playground, making a huge impact not only on all the Gronk Nation Youth Foundation kids she helped, but all the kids she continues to inspire every day."

Overall, CharityTeams has helped nonprofits raise $42 million over the years, according to its official website.

"But even beyond our team, Susan took care of so many charity teams for the Boston Marathon and their bibs, helping raise so much money to give back to charities," Gronkowski added. "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.

"She always had a smile on her face and the utmost positivity, staying an inspiration for runners and charities every single day, even while she was fighting cancer. Her strength and resilience were truly inspirational, and she will be greatly missed."