New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has officially announced his retirement from the National Football League. The big tight end battled through serious injuries throughout his NFL career and has decided that enough is enough. Gronkowski, a three-time Super Bowl champion, spent the entirety of his nine-year NFL career with the New England Patriots.
#Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski announces his retirement. One of the best to ever do it. pic.twitter.com/ml9Zv2PH5Z
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 24, 2019
Tight End Rob Gronkowski Announces Retirement
Gronkowski was never truly healthy at any time during the 2018 season. After recording seven receptions for 123 yards and a touchdown in the season opener against the Houston Texans, Gronkowski suffered an ankle injury and was clearly never the same. Additionally, Gronkowski suffered a back injury later in the season, requiring him to miss three games over the regular season.
Even in his injured state, Gronkowski managed to put together a few signature moments during New England’s Super Bowl run. Gronkowski recorded six receptions for 79 yards in the AFC Championship Game against the Kansas City Chiefs, including a crucial third-down conversion in overtime. Two weeks later, Gronkowski recorded six receptions for 87 yards against the Los Angeles Rams, including a fantastic catch which set up New England’s game-winning touchdown.
Gronkowski initially entered the league as New England’s second-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. Selected with the 42nd overall pick, Gronkowski made an immediate impact on the Patriots offense. Appearing in all 16 games as a rookie, Gronkowski recorded 42 receptions for 546 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Gronkowski took his play to another level in the 2011 season. Once again playing all 16 games, Gronkowski recorded 90 receptions for 1,327 yards and 17 touchdowns. Additionally, Gronkowski added another touchdown on a backwards lateral. His receiving yards and touchdowns were single-season records for the tight end position. This fantastic season earned him First-Team All-Pro honors as well as his first Pro Bowl selection. In total, the four-time All-Pro has 521 receptions for 7,861 yards and 79 touchdowns throughout his storied NFL career.
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