Rob Gronkowski Announces Retirement
It’s the end of an era.
The story is currently breaking that National Football League star Rob “The Gronk” Gronkowski has announced his retirement from the game.
The New England Patriots tight end announced on Instagram, earlier today, that he’s walking away from football after nine seasons.
As he wrote through a social media post:
“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.”
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Gronkowski then shared that he is thankful for the nine years he’s had in the professional league. He's also thankful for and the support he received from fans.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity that Mr. Kraft and Coach Belichick gave to me when drafting my silliness in 2010,” he wrote. “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.”
Gronkowski seemed especially thankful to those who supported him in not only the sport but also in being his authentic self. That said, he shares that he is ready to move on with the next stage in 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,” the retiring athlete added. “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.”
Before this announcement, rumors were spreading that the 29-year-old was considering his retirement. This is especially because he seemed to dodge questions about his 2019 season plans after winning Super Bowl LIII.
With this announcement, Robert Gronkowski leaves as one of the most accomplished tight ends in football history. His career includes 521 receptions, 7,861 receiving yards and 79 touchdowns, which includes 81 receptions. Gronkowski also has a tight end-record of 1,163 receiving yards and 12 scores in 16 postseason games.
It will be hard to replace Gronkowski, but now it looks like New England will have no other choice.
Good luck and best wishes to the retiring legend.
