Play Pickleball with Rob Gronkowski at “Pickleball for a Purpose”

If playing pickleball against Rob Gronkowski sounds like a fever dream, wake up—it’s real. The former Patriots tight end is bringing his signature energy to the courts in Natick for “Pickleball for a Purpose,” a charity event benefiting The Jimmy Fund and the Gronk Nation Youth Foundation. Set for May 28 from 5–8 p.m. at Bosse Sports in Natick, this event blends dinks with donations, and yes, fundraising can earn you the chance to face off with Gronk himself. Because nothing says “charity” like a 6’6” athlete smashing a wiffle ball at your paddle.

You can register as an individual or as part of a team at jimmyfund.org/gronk, and the more you raise, the more you unlock—think exclusive Gronk-signed merch and the ultimate prize: a game with the man himself. Not quite court-ready? No worries. Spectator tickets are available through charity.pledgeit.org/pickleball, and you can secure your spot by donating and emailing ChloeC_Rogan@dfci.harvard.edu. But don’t wait—tickets are limited, and the event is sure to draw both pickleball lovers and die-hard Pats fans.

“Pickleball for a Purpose” proves that celebrity matches don’t have to be all fluff—they can rally communities and raise money for causes that matter. So whether you’re in it to win it, cheer from the sidelines, or just want to say you dinked with Gronk, this is one pickleball moment you won’t want to miss.