New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski announced his retirement from the NFL on Sunday, March 24, choosing to hang up his cleats as a 29-year old with three Super Bowl championships, four All-Pro listings, and five Pro Bowl nominations behind him. The occasion didn’t pass unnoticed by the New Orleans Saints’ own All-Pro, defensive end Cameron Jordan.
Jordan paid his respects to Gronkowski’s career in a show of sportsmanship, writing from his official Twitter account: “Heard @RobGronkowski retiring… I’d say happy to hear he did it on his own terms… minus the injuries in his career seems like that man Enjoyed everyday of his pro career #salute to one of the best TE’s ever to lace up.”
It’s nice commentary from Jordan, demonstrating how closely he follows other stars from around the NFL. Gronkowski’s decision to retire (relatively) early in his career could resonate with Jordan. The big tight end was drafted a year before Jordan, and has been a big presence in the NFL throughout Jordan’s own career. Seeing Gronkowski go out on top with so many accolades is probably something Jordan himself would hope to do someday. Just, not too soon.
