New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady spotted Rob Gronkowski’s retirement announcement on Instagram on Sunday and showed his tight end some love on social media.
“Love you man!! The 🐐!! Couldn’t be a better person or teammate!!!!” Brady wrote on Gronk’s post on Sunday.
As much as Brady will be pleased to celebrate his favorite tight end’s career, Brady must have mixed feelings, as the quarterback will lose one of his most trustworthy targets in the Patriots offense. There’s no more immediate example than when Brady targeted Gronk in Super Bowl LIII for arguably the biggest play, a 29-yard reception and the tight end’s final catch of his career. Running back Sony Michel scored a 1-yard touchdown, the only touchdown of the Patriots’ win, on the following play.
Gronkowski will finish his career with 522 catches, 7,861 yards and 79 touchdowns. He also made five Pro Bowls with four first-team All-Pros. He won three Super Bowls, and has a strong case for the Hall of Fame.
