Rob Gronkowski to Retire as a Patriot

Rob Gronkowski is set to wrap up his illustrious NFL career where it began—with the New England Patriots.

On Sunday, the iconic tight end announced his plans to sign a one-day contract with the Patriots, marking his official retirement from the league three years after he initially hung up his jersey.

“Just like everyone here, I intend to sign a one-day deal with the Patriots this week to retire as a Patriot and, well, remain a Patriot for the rest of my life,” Gronkowski, now an analyst, shared.

Selected as the 42nd overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, Gronkowski spent the first nine years of what many consider a Hall of Fame career in New England, clinching three Super Bowl titles alongside his friend and colleague Tom Brady.

Initially, after the 2018 season, Gronkowski suggested he would retire for good. However, he made a surprising comeback in 2020, leading to a trade to Tampa Bay, where he reunited with Brady on the Buccaneers.

Together, they secured the final Super Bowl of their careers during their first season in Tampa, defeating the Chiefs 31-9 in February 2021.

Gronkowski made his second retirement announcement after the 2022 season, shortly followed by Brady in February 2023.

A five-time Pro Bowler and a four-time first-team All-Pro, Gronkowski holds the record for the most receiving touchdowns by a Patriot, hitting 79. He also led the NFL with 17 receiving touchdowns in 2011.

Across his time with both the Patriots and the Buccaneers, he racked up 92 touchdown receptions in 143 regular-season games.

The Patriots announced on Monday that Gronkowski would finalize his one-day contract on Wednesday afternoon, right before they face the Jets in a Thursday Night Football matchup.

New England has recently improved to an 8-2 record following a victory over Tampa Bay, coinciding with Mike Vrabel’s first year as head coach.