Patriots Tight End Rob Gronkowski Announces Retirement from NFL After Nine Seasons

Picture: Sporting News
A talented football player. An even better person and teammate. Many even say the best tight end to play the game. These are all things we have heard in the past two days since Rob Gronkowski announced his retirement.
The tight end posted a heartfelt message to his instagram on Sunday night, letting the world know that he would be retiring from the NFL after nine seasons with the New England Patriots.
In the post, Gronkowski expressed his gratitude to the Patriots organization and fans. He said this decision was the biggest he has faced in his life so far. He also thanked his current and former teammates for all the memories. Gronk ended his message with a “HUGE cheers” to the uncertain future ahead of him.
Fans, teammates, friends, and fellow Boston sports teams responded to Gronkowski’s announcement with heartwarming messages of their own. Teammates he became close with over the years, such as Tom Brady, Julian Edelman, and Danny Amendola, congratulated Gronk on his amazing career with posts on their Instagrams.
People everywhere, including many Patriots fans, were shocked and disappointed when the news first came out. However, rumors of Gronkowski retiring actually started after the loss to the Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl 52. Most knew his football career would come to an end soon, but Patriots fans in particular hoped Gronk would play at least another year or two.
Gronkowski’s numerous injuries throughout his football career were more than likely the reason for his retirement. Over the years, he has hurt his back, hip, knee, ankle, head, and forearm. Each of these injuries took Gronk out of the game, in some cases, for the majority of numerous seasons.
Even with the many struggles Gronkowski faced when it came to his health, he was a fighter and an absolute beast on the field.
Although he decided to retire at only 29 years old, Rob Gronkowski had a phenomenal NFL career. During his nine seasons with the Patriots, he accomplished much more than the average football player.
Gronkowski was one of the best tight ends in the league from the moment he was drafted in 2010. During his first three seasons playing for the Patriots, he caught 38 touchdowns. This is more than any tight end over that span in NFL history.
He only got better from there.
Gronkowski ended his impressive career with 521 receptions, 7,861 receiving yards, and 79 touchdowns. He is a five-time Pro Bowler and a four-time All-Pro. Gronk had 111 wins with the Patriots and also appeared in four Super Bowls with the team. He is a three-time Super Bowl champion and many consider him the greatest tight end of all time.
Gronk’s upbeat personality, love for the game, and pure talent make him irreplaceable in every sense. New England will not be the same without him. His teammates, coaches, friends, and all of Patriots Nation are sad to see him go. However, they are grateful for the positive impact Gronk had on, not only the game, but everything around him.
Rob Gronkowski ended his NFL career with a Super Bowl win and a celebratory parade in Boston. What better way to go than that? He retired a champion and a living legend. Congratulations to Gronk on an amazing career!
Highlights from Gronkowski’s Career: