Rob Gronkowski Announces Retirement From NFL
Jun 21, 2022, 12:51 PM | Updated: 12:52 pm
Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ tight end Rob Gronkowski announced his retirement from the NFL Tuesday, via Instagram.
The former All-Pro was drafted in 2010 and was instrumental in the Patriots’ dynasty the last decade alongside Tom Brady, winning three Super Bowl rings with New England. “Gronk” then followed Brady down to Tampa Bay, where they won another ring in 2021.
Jordan Schultz was the first to report the news on Twitter Tuesday.
Had a great conversation just now with Rob Gronkowski, who is excited to pursue other opportunities. End of an era for one of the best players ever. @ProFootballHOF
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) June 21, 2022
“In college, I was asked to write about a dream job opportunity that I wanted to pursue and where the location would be. Every time I had to write about my future, no matter what, I picked being a professional football player,” Gronk said in his statement. “For that assignment though, we had to pick the location. So I wrote that I wanted to play in Tampa for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, for many reasons, the sunny weather being #1. I completely forgot about writing this report until 2 years ago when I had the opportunity to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And let me tell ya, the journey in Tampa over the last 2 years has blown away what I originally wrote about in college, big time. And for this, I want to thank the whole entire first class Buccaneers organization for an amazing ride, trusting me to come back to play and help build a championship team. I will now be going back into my retirement home, walking away from football again with my head held high knowing I gave it everything I had, good or bad, every time I stepped out on the field. The friendships and relationships I have made will last forever, and I appreciate every single one of my teammates and coaches for giving everything they had as well. From retirement, back to football and winning another championship and now back to chilling out, thank you to all. Buccaneers 🏴☠️ fans, the Krewe, without you guys, none of this is possible, all of ya brought it every game, thank you for all you do. Cheers to what’s next, maybe sailing the seas 🏴☠️ Arghhhhhh!!”
The NFL world shared their appreciation for Gronkowski Tuesday, one of the most likable guys the football community has ever seen.
Rob Gronkowski's NFL career:
– 11 seasons
– 621 receptions
– 9,286 yards
– 92 TDs
– 4× Super Bowl champ
– 5× Pro Bowler
– 4× First-team All-Pro
– 1,389 yards & 15 TDs in the playoffs.
– Endless memories.Arguably the most dominant TE ever. The game will miss Gronk.
HOF waits. pic.twitter.com/2qLfxzccuA
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) June 21, 2022
Rob Gronkowski retires as a 4-time Super Bowl Champion, 4-time All Pro, 5-time Pro-Bowler and holds the most TDs in a single season by a TE.
He also holds the most 100 yard games by a TE in NFL history.
One of a kind, he retires again at age 33.pic.twitter.com/xM63aV1aLb
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 21, 2022
Tuesday’s announcement marks the second time Gronk has walked away from the game, having done so after the 2019 season with the Patriots. In reaction to the news, his agent Drew Rosenhaus informed Adam Schefter of ESPN that he would not be surprised to see the former TE back on the field this season.
In reaction to Rob Gronkowski’s news, his agent Drew Rosenhaus texts: “It would not surprise me if Tom Brady calls him during the season to come back and Rob answers the call. This is just my opinion but I wouldn’t be surprised if Rob comes back during the season or next season.”
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 21, 2022
Gronkowski amassed over 9,000 receiving yards and 92 touchdowns in his eleven years in the league, holding the record for most TDs in a single season for a TE.
