Gronkowski Signs One-Day Deal to Retire as a Patriot
Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots, humorously asked Rob Gronkowski if he wanted to play in Thursday’s game against the Jets, right before Gronkowski signed a one-day contract to retire from the organization. “How about a two-day deal, since we play the Jets tomorrow night?” Kraft joked during the signing ceremony at Gillette Stadium.
With a laugh, the 36-year-old Gronkowski replied, “Let’s do it. What’s the signing fee?” This light-hearted banter elicited laughter from the reporters present.
“Nothing has changed,” Kraft added, smiling.
The Patriots secured their eighth win of the season against Tampa Bay on Sunday, marking Mike Vrabel’s first year as head coach.
Kraft had intended to allow Gronkowski to sign a one-day contract later, as he becomes eligible for the team’s Hall of Fame next year. But lighthearted circumstances led him to push it forward.
Currently an analyst for Fox’s NFL Sunday pregame show, Gronkowski expressed his desire to “retire as a lifelong patriot.” This decision was particularly poignant as it fulfilled the wishes of his close friend Susan Hurley, who recently passed away due to cancer.
“I feel really good about this, and the motivation comes from Susan Hurley,” he stated, emphasizing the personal significance of the occasion.
Gronkowski’s longtime girlfriend, Camille Kostek, a model, was present and snapped a photo with Gronkowski and Kraft, making it a memorable day for them both. They originally met back in 2015 when she was a cheerleader for the Patriots.
Drafted in the second round in 2010, Gronkowski spent nine seasons with the Patriots, achieving three Super Bowl victories and receiving first-team All-Pro honors four times.
He recorded an impressive average of 15.1 yards per reception and had 79 touchdown catches over 115 games with the team.
After retiring following the 2018 season, Gronkowski made a comeback to reunite with quarterback Tom Brady, culminating in his final Super Bowl appearance with the Buccaneers in 2020. He officially retired for a second time in June 2022, and he’ll be eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2027.
