Patriots star Rob Gronkowski announces retirement: 'Now it's time to move forward with a big smile'

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NFL Staff
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Super Bowl 53: Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski not discussing future after win

After rumors surrounding Rob Gronkowski’s future in the NFL swirled this offseason, the Patriots star finally gave everyone the answer Sunday.

In a lengthy Instagram post, the tight end announced his retirement after nine seasons.

“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,” Gronkowski wrote, in part. “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.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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. 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.

A post shared by Rob Gronkowski (@gronk) on Mar 24, 2019 at 2:53pm PDT

Gronkowski, who was selected by the Patriots in the second round of the 2010 draft, had been the subject of trade and retirement talks due in large part to injuries. He will end his career in New England with three Super Bowl victories.

He tallied 521 catches, 7,861 yards and 79 touchdowns in 115 career regular-season games. He exits as the Patriots’ career leader in touchdowns and is tied for the second-most receiving scores in postseason history.

Gronkowski, 29, also earned five Pro Bowl selections, four first-team All-Pro honors and the award for the 2014 NFL Comeback Player of the Year. And in the postseason, he had few peers. Gronkowski retires as the NFL’s postseason leader among tight ends in catches (81), receiving yards (1,163) and receiving touchdowns (12). Only Jerry Rice has more touchdown catches in the playoffs than Gronkowski. 

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