Rob Gronkowski retires from the Patriots
Whitley Bras, Sports Editor
Photo Courtesy of Unsplash: Ben Hershey
Well-known New England Patriots football player Rob Gronkowski shockingly announced his retirement from the NFL on March 24.
Gronkowski has been a tight end for the Patriots for nine seasons starting in 2010, and has a legacy of being an influential player in the NFL. Sports Illustrated reporter Albert Greer explains that “he’s [Gronkowski] famed for his outsized persona, but those who worked closest with him praise his toughness, his commitment and, most of all, his football acumen.”
Since 2010 the Patriots have won three Superbowl’s and Gronkowski has been apart of that winning team and now holds that legacy. Due to the fact that he has decided to retire on his own free will at a prime time in his career have many fans and supporters puzzled to why he left during such a successful season in his football career.
29-year-old Gronkowski describes his decision to leave the NFL as being the “biggest of my life so far” in an Instagram post after news of his retirement went viral. He continued by saying “now it’s time to move forward and move forward with a big smile knowing that the New England Patriots Organization, Pats Nation and all my fans will be truly a big part of my heart for rest of my life.”
Gronkowski was a figure for the Patriots and a well-known football star among elite athletes around the world. He is now looking for a clean start as he just sold his penthouse in Boston and openly states that he is ready for the unexpected aspect of his next journey in life.
He has been involved with film and television in many different areas including being a co-host in the Nickelodeon show, “Crashletes.” Gronkowski has been involved with charities, written books and has made an appearance on WWE. Overall, he is well-rounded in the entertainment industry and has no intentions of stopping soon.
Although the news of Gronkowski retiring has shocked a lot of Patriots fans and left the NFL team scrambling to find a replacement, many of his close friends and teammates see this as being a positive for the athlete’s life.
Tom Brady, a teammate of Gronkowski explains in a tweet “what an honor and privilege to play with you these past nine years… your fun-loving, inspiring, and positive energy made an impact on everybody you came into contact with. The NFL was a better place with you in it.”
Brent Schwartz of Patriots Wire discussed what will happen to the Patriots with the retirement of Gronkowski. Schwartz states, “It will be tough, but Brady and New England can survive his retirement.” He continues by saying, “Gronk was one of the great mismatch-producing advantages that any offense ever boasted. There will be no replacing him, just approaching his absence with the notion that there will be altered strategies, and soon-to-be-acquired pass-catching personnel, whether it be via trade of the NFL draft.”
Although it may seem like Gronkowski has some big shoes to fill, the Patriots are stepping up recruiting in the draft picks and have some strong and young talented players coming onto the team in order to bring a fresh perspective in attempts to fill Gronkowski’s position.
This is not the last time we will hear from Gronkowski as he will continue to pursue the unexpected in his career. He concluded his statement about retirement by saying, “thank you for everyone accepting who I am and the dedication I have put into my work to be the best player I could be. Cheers to all who have been part of this journey, cheers to the past for the incredible memories, and a huge cheer to the uncertain of what’s next.”
