By Bryan Sidelinger- In a mostly fitting end, the final catch of Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski’s career wasn’t a touchdown, but did set the Patriots up with a first-and-goal at the one, and was the pivotal play in another Patriots Superbowl win.
Though it wasn’t a touchdown, it turns out the tight-end’s final “Gronk-spike” is that of his football career, as he announced his retirement via instagram on April 24th.
“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,” Gronkowski wrote in the post. “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. 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 what’s next.”
The questions about Gronkowski’s career going forward had started long before the end of last season, since the loss to the Eagles in 2017, but were raised even louder immediately following the Superbowl win over the Rams. Gronkowski only played a full 16 game season twice in his career- none since 2012- and missed 29 games over nine seasons. The 6’6, 260-pound tight-end endured three back surgeries, a torn ACL, a torn MCL and a broken forearm which also required multiple surgeries.
Still, Gronkowski retires as one of the all-time greats at his position, and the only debate about his place in the Hall of Fame is whether or not he gets inducted in his first year on the ballot.
He finishes his career with 76 touchdowns and 7,861 receiving yards on 521 receptions, ranking him 1st, 3rd, and 5th respectively in those categories in Patriots history. His 17 touchdown catches in 2011 is still the most by a tight end in NFL history in a single season. Gronkowski scored 12 touchdowns in his postseason career, good for 2nd all-time in NFL history, and his total combined touchdowns between the regular and postseason (88) are the most of any tight end since Gronk entered the league in 2010. He was a Pro-Bowler five times, and an All-Pro four times. And coaches and opponents alike often pointed to Gronkowski being as devastating at blocking as he was dominating at running routes and catching footballs, making him singularly unique in a tight-end landscape that features either one or the other.
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady congratulated Gronkowski in an instagram post of his own. “What an honor and privilege to play with you these past nine years!” Brady wrote. “You accomplished so much and our team was almost unbeatable when you were on the field! The NFL was a better place with you in it! But I have no doubt you will be a success in anything you do!!! Love you pal!” Brady added that Gronkowski was an even better person than he was player and teammate.
Head Coach Bill Belichick also released a statement on Gronkowski’s retirement, saying, “His production spoke for itself, but his daily attitude, unmistakably positive energy wherever he went and toward whoever he touched will never be forgotten. Rob will leave an indelible mark on the Patriots organization and the game as among the best, most complete players at his position to ever play.”
The Patriots now look to free agency and the draft to try to fill the void.
