MINNEAPOLIS _ Has Rob Gronkowski played his last NFL game?
The Patriots' All-Pro tight end said after Sunday night's 41-33 loss to the Eagles in Super Bowl LII that he will evaluate his future before making a decision about returning next season.
"I'm definitely going to look at my future, for sure," said Gronkowski, who had nine catches for 116 yards and two touchdowns. "I'm going to sit down the next couple of weeks and see where I'm at."
Gronkowski has battled an assortment of injuries in recent years, and suffered a concussion in the Patriots' win over the Jaguars in the AFC Championship Game. He was officially cleared to return for full-contract practice on Thursday.
He didn't play in the Patriots' Super Bowl win over the Falcons last season after undergoing season-ending back surgery.
Gronkowski, a second-round pick in 2010, is only 28 years old, but his fearless style of play has led to injuries that have apparently made him consider whether he wants to keep playing. Of more immediate concern is dealing with the disappointment of Sunday night's loss.
"It stinks to be on this side, for sure," Gronkowski said. "It stinks."
If Gronkowski does retire, Tom Brady would lose one of his best weapons. Gronkowski has scored 76 regular-season touchdowns and 12 TDs in the playoffs.
