NFL
Rob Gronkowski Calls it Quits – Again
Rob Gronkowski Calls it Quits – Again
- Patriots
- Buccaneers
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SportsWriters
Much to the dismay of his coaches, teammates, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans, Rob Gronkowski announced on Tuesday he’s retiring from the NFL – again!
Gronkowski revealed his plans on Instagram, where he often shares hilarious goodies from his happy life including the Gronk Beach extravaganza in Las Vegas, and clips of him promoting the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards he co-hosted in April.
During his 11 NFL seasons, the 33-year-old Gronkowski, a highly reputable football player with a highly unearthly personality, came into the league as a kind of disruptive force. He leaves as one of the sport’s all-time top players.
Gronkowski set a new standard for NFL tight ends
There is no doubt that no tight end in the history of football impacted the game more than he did, despite not topping any career statistics. Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates revolutionized tight end play as elite offensive weapons. Gronkowski elevated the position while setting the stage for players like Travis Kelce and George Kittle.
Gronkowski was unheard of when he joined New England as a second-round pick out of Arizona in 2010. As a rookie, he caught 10 touchdown passes, but in his second season, he caught 90 passes, gained 1,327 yards, and scored 17 touchdowns to earn his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors.
The Patriots tight end finishes his career with 621 catches (10th among tight ends), 9,286 receiving yards (fifth) and 92 touchdowns (third). In comparison to Gonzalez (270 games) and Gates (236 games) Gronk achieved his career totals in just over half the time (143 games). There are also a bunch of rings for him to display.
I am Party
Gronkowski’s jolt-of-life elicited countless memes, none more adorable perhaps than his yell of “Yo soy fiesta!” or “I am party!” in Spanish after a 2012 playoff game.
Is this really the end?
During his career, he won four Super Bowls. The third came with New England, where his body eventually betrayed him and prevented maximum potential. As a result, he tore a knee ligament, broke his forearm, and injured his back. Still he came back and won a 4th Super Bowl with Brady and the Bucs.
Even though Gronkowski is saying this is the end, it might not be. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that he’s not sure Gronkowski is really, truly finished in the NFL.
“It would not surprise me if Tom Brady calls him during the season to come back and Rob answers the call," Rosenhaus said. "This is just my opinion but I wouldn’t be surprised if Rob comes back during the season or next season.”
- Drew Rosenhaus - Gronk's agent
