For the second time in the last three seasons, tight end Rob Gronkowski has retired from the NFL. In a statement posted on Instagram, Gronkowski said, “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.”
Gronk has initially retired in 2019 after the Patriots defeated the Rams in Super Bowl LIII, but unretired less than two years later to join Tom Brady in Tampa Bay. While in Tampa, he racked up 1425 yards and 13 touchdowns while aiding Brady in capturing his 7th Super Bowl in 2020.
Gronkowski is undoubtedly headed to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the next few years, as he is one of the most accomplished tight ends in NFL history. The Arizona product has four Super Bowl championships, five Pro Bowl nods and four All-Pro selections. He is 3rd all-time in receiving touchdowns and fourth all-time in receiving yards among all tight ends.
Although this is his second time retiring, Gronkowski’s agent Drew Rosenhaus did not close the door on a potential return to the gridiron. “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,” Rosenhaus said.
Brady added fire to the flame by tweeting out an image foreshadowing that potential call.
Brady recently un-retired to rejoin the Buccaneers after initially resting in February 2022.
