In Buffalo, it’s nearly impossible to root for a New England Patriots player -- even if he’s from Western New York.

But former tight end Rob Gronkowski is retired from the NFL now, and no longer a threat to the Buffalo Bills. That means WNY football fans can cheer guilt-free for the three-time Super Bowl champion, especially when he’s bringing goodwill to his hometown.

WKBW reports Gronkowski donated $50,000 to the Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo on Monday through his Gronk Nation Youth Foundation. The money will go towards purchasing equipment for surgeons.

“I’ve actually been to the children’s hospital twice, myself, when I was growing up,” he told WIVB. “So, it’s actually really cool to see this new improved upgraded children’s hospital here and giving back to where I was taken care of.”

Gronk also visited patients, posed for photos, signed autographs and showed kids a Super Bowl ring.

He joked that he feels welcome in the Buffalo area again, thanks to retirement.

"We were out Saturday night, and they were all giving cheers at our charity event, and everything," he said. "It was cool to finally be accepted, once again, where I grew up. So, I decided to come back and start giving back."

"These are my favorite checks - you guys ever see Happy Gilmore?" - Rob Gronkowskihttps://t.co/QRbC7w42hr — WBEN NewsRadio 930AM (@NewsRadio930) June 17, 2019

Gronkowski, who grew up near Buffalo in Williamsville, N.Y., announced his retirement from football in March after nine seasons in the NFL, all with the Patriots. He won three Super Bowl championships, was a Pro Bowl selection five times, and caught 79 touchdown passes since 2010.

Gronk also caught a total of 521 receptions for 7,861 yards in 115 regular season games, plus 81 receptions for 1,163 yards with 12 touchdowns in 16 playoff games -- all records for the TE position. His 12 postseason TD catches are also tied for second in NFL history among all players, behind only Jerry Rice (22).