Rob Gronkowski, better known simply as “Gronk”, calls it a career at age 33. The former Patriots and Buccaneers tight end is surely Canton Bound.
Gronk Calls It A Career
After 11 seasons in the NFL, Rob Gronkowski has announced his second retirement on his Instagram account, and chances are this one will stick. Having formed one of the most successful QB-TE duos of all time with Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski’s retirement signals the end of an era in the league. The former Arizona State product is leaving the league with 621 receptions, 9,286 yards, and 92 touchdowns. Including an additional 98 receptions, 1,389 yards, and 15 touchdowns in the playoffs. Not to mention his four Super Bowl rings.
While Rob’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus is skeptical of this second retirement, all signs had been pointing to it all along. In multiple interviews and appearances, the TE has seemed like he was very much non-committal on a return to the NFL and even Tampa Bay at times. When Brady initially retired, Gronk was quoted on his interest in playing with Joe Burrow, but with the return of Brady, that seemed to be tossed out the window.
We will see if Gronkowski makes his return to TV after spending the 2019 season with Fox Sports. Now that Tom Brady has inked a deal that will bring him to the network when he announces his second retirement, it seems like a logical path would be for him to join his old friend.
Best Tight End Of All-Time?
There are not many players at the tight end position that can compete with him in terms of pure dominance. Gronk’s numbers put him in the same company as Kellen Winslow, Tony Gonzalez, Antonio Gates, and Mike Ditka for greatest all time. With players like Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and Mark Andrews still in the league, they have time to pass him up, but it is safe to say he has them beat for the time being.
Regardless of where you would rank him as a tight end, there is no doubt about his status as a first-ballot Hall of Famer. By the time 2027 rolls around, I would expect him to get that famed knock at the door as Canton welcomes him with a bust and a gold jacket.
Dan Portillo
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