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.

https://twitter.com/Advil/status/1109968682741100544

There were well wishes from teammates past and present.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvaKRexnLu5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://twitter.com/Edelman11/status/1109945812489043968

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.

 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?