Rob Gronkowski makes an appearance on Top Chef Season 12 Episode 9.

He serves as a guest judge for a Quickfire Challenge that centers on the contestants having to create a big and tasty sausage dish.

Elsewhere the chefs are tasked with brushing up on their reading for a different kind of Elimination Challenge, one where their dishes have be inspired by a literary work from a famous New England author; such as Stephen King, Edgar Allen Poe, Emily Dickinson, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Dr. Seuess.

Finally, the regular judges are joined by Chef Tony Maws and Clarkson Potter Editor Francis Lam at the Judges' Table.