New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski announced that his NFL career had come to an end via his Instagram page on Sunday afternoon. Gronk rides off into the sunset as arguably the best to ever play the position. His next stop, after what will surely be many television, movie and professional wrestling opportunities is the NFL Hall of Fame where he should be a first-ballot selection.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvaCbK6BCvd/
Since his rookie season in 2010, no player at any position in the NFL has caught more touchdown passes. Gronkowski wraps up his NFL tenure with 521 receptions, 7,861 receiving yards and 79 touchdowns, surpassing his favorite number by 10 scores. The next closest NFL player to Gronk’s career touchdown total since 2010 is newly-minted Oakland Raiders wide receiver Antonio Brown with 74.
Gronk’s now former head coach, never one for hyperbole, praised Gronkowski as he hangs up his spurs.
“Rob will leave the game among the best, most complete at his position to ever play,” Bill Belichick told ESPN.
Gronk always showed up on the game’s biggest stage. He caught six passes for 87 yards in February’s Super Bowl LIII, including huge plays on what would turn out to be New England’s game-winning drive. Gronkowski wraps up his career as a three-time Super Bowl champion, a five-time Pro Bowl selection and a four-time All-Pro first teamer.
As you could expect, Gronk’s teammates, peers and fans were quick to react on social media, with none more poignant than this reaction from his quarterback.
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The other goat 🐐 #gronk pic.twitter.com/FzCfT38BjR
— Julian Edelman (@Edelman11) March 24, 2019
A couple of retired Boston sports legends and champs.
Thanks, Gronk! pic.twitter.com/JfabUDVCBo
— Red Sox (@RedSox) March 25, 2019
We’d throw a retirement party for Gronk but there isn’t enough beer in the world…
— Buffalo Wild Wings (@BWWings) March 24, 2019
Congrats to my little, I mean younger, bro. Unreal career that entertained and impressed everyone that got to watch. pic.twitter.com/2TpPNsgaer
— Chris Gronkowski (@Chrisgronkowski) March 24, 2019
Since 2006 – tight ends with the most games of at least 1.95 yards per route run:
Antonio Gates: 65
Vernon Davis: 65
Jason Witten: 67
Rob Gronkowski: 6⃣9⃣
NICE pic.twitter.com/diPOwWS2W1
— PFF (@PFF) March 25, 2019
Only four players in NFL history caught more touchdown passes in their first nine seasons, including the playoffs — Jerry Rice (131), Randy Moss (110), Marvin Harrison (100) and Terrell Owens (99). Gronkowski ends his era with 91.
What’s next for Gronk? A reality show sounds like a no-brainer. Vince McMahon is likely blowing up his phone right now to come join the WWE and his agent is probably fielding plenty of action movie pitches.
We’ll still have plenty of Gronkowski in our lives, just not on the football field and the game will be poorer for it.
