Rob Gronkowski has announced his retirement after 11 NFL seasons.
This time, it’s for good, unlike what he previously did wherein he returned to play after a one-year break.
In his return, Gronkowski chose to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to play with Tom Brady.
Together, they gave the franchise its second Super Bowl victory after dominating the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV.
But before that win, Gronkowski had already won three Super Bowls with the New England Patriots.
He also became a four-time First-Team All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler during his stay in Foxborough.
Gronkowski still has the energy and the physique to contribute to any team.
However, he is choosing retirement because he has nothing left to prove.
Aside from being a dependable athlete on the field, he is also loved by his former teammates, as proven by former Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman.
There will only ever be one Gronk.
Love you bro. #FoxboroForever pic.twitter.com/yeqnXqzWVM— Julian Edelman (@Edelman11) June 21, 2022
Edelman said, “There will only ever be one Gronk. Love you bro. #FoxboroForever.”
The wideout compared their partnership to Calvin and Hobbes.
The last picture is the most touching of all, with Hobbes saying, “If good things lasted forever, would we appreciate how precious they are?”
Edelman and Gronkowski played together from 2010 to 2018.
The former Kent State standout was also the MVP of Super Bowl LIII.
Who Will Tampa Bay Have At Tight End?
It remains to be seen if Gronkowski’s absence will have a profound impact on the Buccaneers’ offense.
However, they still have other weapons like Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, and Leonard Fournette.
With Gronkowski retired, it looks like Cameron Brate will be their starting tight end.
He will have big shoes to fill, especially on a team with high expectations.
Therefore, he should contribute more than his 245 yards and four receptions last season.
Backing him up in the depth chart are Cade Otton, Ko Kieft, and Codey McElroy.
