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rob gronkowskilegendary nfl The tight end has officially cemented his legacy new England PatriotsSigning a one-day contract to retire as a member of the franchise where he won three Super Bowls.
The move, which he described as the fulfillment of a long-held personal belief, was also a touching tribute to a dear friend.
“I’m a Patriot for life. My career started here and it’s 100% necessary to end here,” Gronkowski said after the formal signing with team owner Robert Kraft.
While plans for Gronkowski’s formal retirement as a Patriot were already underway, the heartfelt request accelerated the process. During the opening of “Gronk Playground” in Boston this August, his longtime friend and charity partner, Susan Hurley, urged him to pursue his retirement as a Patriot official.
Hurley, a former Patriots cheerleader who collaborated with numerous charities through her company CharityTeams, tragically died of cancer earlier this month. Gronkowski said it became “a complete no-brainer” to honor his request.
Reflecting on his time in New England, Gronkowski expressed deep gratitude: “The whole Gronk persona, everything about me… It was all because of the fans here in New England, it was all because of my teammates accepting me and everyone here.
“Just accepting who I am from the beginning and embracing it and letting me play the game of football on the football field.”
Since his debut, “Gronk” was known for his fun-loving, touchdown-spiking presence.
His personality on and off the field was as formidable as his athletic ability.
Robert Kraft confirmed Gronkowski’s immediate and lasting impact, saying: “His stellar performance was spectacular, and his larger-than-life personality and relationship with fans have made him a true New England icon.”
Gronkowski recalled a flood of memories when he returned to team headquarters, defeating the Seattle Seahawks in 2014 to secure his all-time favorite Super Bowl ring.
He said, “That memory will always be with me and the memories with the guys and the stories with the guys in the locker room, on the practice field. But the No. 1 memory is winning those Super Bowls big time.”
Drafted by the Patriots in 2010, Gronkowski spent nine seasons in New England, becoming one of tom bradyThe most reliable target.
He initially retired after the 2018 season and sat out 2019 to work as a Fox Sports analyst.
However, he returned to the field in 2020, joining Brady in Tampa Bay, where they led them to another Super Bowl title. He last played in 2021 and has since returned to Fox Sports as a full-time analyst.
With 92 receiving touchdowns, third all-time among tight ends, and with 9,286 receiving yards, tied for sixth, Gronkowski is almost certainly destined for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
He’s also eager to join Brady in the Patriots Hall, though he modestly added: “Tom is one of a kind. If you put one in, just put me in the end zone and be small.”