New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski announced he is retiring after nine seasons in the NFL. Gronkowski, a 2010 second-round pick, will end his career as a three-time Super Bowl champion and a five-time Pro Bowler. He released a statement on Instagram on Sunday.
“It all started at 20 years old on stage at the NFL draft when my dream came true, and now here I am about to turn 30 in a few months with a decision I feel is the biggest of my life so far,” the tight end wrote on Instagram. “I will be retiring from the game of football today. I am so grateful for the opportunity that Mr. Kraft and Coach Belichick gave to me when drafting my silliness in 2010. My life experiences over the last 9 years have been amazing both on and off the field. The people I have meet, the relationships I have built, the championships I have been apart of, I just want to thank the whole New England Patriots organization for every opportunity I have been giving and learning the great values of life that I can apply to mine.
“Thank you to all of Pats Nation around the world for the incredible support since I have been apart of this 1st class organization. Thank you for everyone accepting who I am and the dedication I have put into my work to be the best player I could be. But now its time to move forward and move forward with a big smile knowing that the New England Patriots Organization, Pats Nation, and all my fans will be truly a big part of my heart for rest of my life.
“It was truly an incredible honor to play for such a great established organization and able to come in to continue and contribute to keep building success. To all my current and past teammates, thank you for making each team every year special to be apart of. I will truly miss you guys. Cheers to all who have been part of this journey, cheers to the past for the incredible memories, and a HUGE cheers to the uncertain of whats next.”
He will be a strong candidate for the Hall of Fame, and will be in the discussion as one of the greatest tight ends to ever play the game.
His 2011 season was his most prolific with 90 receptions for 1,327 yards and 17 touchdown. He finished his career with 521 receptions for 7,861 and 79 touchdowns. During his final season in 2018, he fought through Achilles tendonitis and a bulging disk in his back, according to NFL Network, and finished with 47 receptions for 682 yards and three touchdowns in 13 games.
During Super Bowl LIII, his finale, he had six receptions for 87 yards, including a 29-yarder that put the Patriots on the 2-yard line, where they scored the game’s only touchdown on the following play.
His decision to retire leaves the Patriots with tight ends Jacob Hollister, Stephen Anderson, Mat LaCosse and Ryan Izzo. Gronkowski will leave a tremendous hole in the team as a pass-catcher, blocker and leader.
