Boston Pours One Out for Rob Gronkowski Following News of his Retirement
Join the masses mourning and celebrating the Patriots tight end's career.
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) looks on from the sideline after an argument with Buffalo Bills players during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Pats fans are going to have to find a new target for their cans of Bud Light soon, as Rob Gronkowski announced Sunday that he’s retiring from the NFL.
Boston’s favorite partier shared his decision in an Instagram post, calling it the “biggest” of his life so far. Gronk thanked Robert Kraft and the Patriots, of course, but also the masses of Pats Nation, and most importantly, “everyone” for accepting him for who he is. Gronk, we wouldn’t have it any other way.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvaCbK6BCvd/?utm_source=ig_embed
Immediately after word got out, the tight end, 29, was flooded with messages of gratitude, luck, and a lot of silly photos.
this will always and forever be my favorite photo of Gronk. pic.twitter.com/IbNCsZ8xds
— abdul 🌌📷 (@Advil) March 25, 2019
There were well wishes from teammates past and present.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvaKRexnLu5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
The other goat 🐐 #gronk pic.twitter.com/FzCfT38BjR
— Julian Edelman (@Edelman11) March 24, 2019
Who is the youngest dude ever to get inducted in the HOF because Gronk shouldn’t wait long.
— chris long (@JOEL9ONE) March 25, 2019
His career was remembered fondly and with a healthy dose of awe by those who got to cover him—many of whom have no reservations about calling him a future Hall of Famer.
I’ll never understand people who try to discredit Gronk. Watch the game. He’s one of the most dominant pass catchers to play in the NFL. To even argue about his HOF candidacy is laughable.
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) March 25, 2019
Been watching Gronk spikes all night and this might be my favorite one. Maniacal laugh at this dude that actually thought he would stop him in single coverage. Classic pic.twitter.com/ZB1UsE6tw3
— Steve Perrault (@Steve_Perrault) March 25, 2019
Sorry to see Gronk to retire. Went to my high school. See you in hall of fame
— Family of John Clayton (@JohnClaytonNFL) March 25, 2019
Unfortunately for heartbroken fans having a hard time getting through the “acceptance” stage of grief, Gronk’s announcement conspicuously avoids the topic of a potential return. However, according to Bleacher Report, his long-time agent Drew Rosenhaus wouldn’t be surprised if his client came back to the game in 2019. Rule number one when leaving a party early—you can always come back, right?
