Rob Gronkowski, once again, walks away.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end announced Tuesday on Instagram that he is retiring from the NFL after 11 seasons and one of the most prolific careers at his position.
“Now I will return to my retirement home, I will walk away from football again with my head held high knowing that I gave everything I had, good or bad, every time I took the field.” Gronkowski wrote in the post.
“The friendships and relationships I have made will last forever, and I thank each of my teammates and coaches for giving everything they had as well. From retirement, back to football and winning another championship and now back to relaxing , Thank you”. to all. Buccaneers 🏴☠️ fans Krewe without you none of this is possible you all brought it to every game thank you for all you do.”
Gronkowski, 33, walks away from the game as one of, if not the best, tight ends in NFL history. He played 11 seasons in the league, nine of which were for the New England Patriots. In 143 regular season games, he had 621 receptions for 9,286 yards and 92 touchdowns. His yardage total ranks fifth in NFL history among tight ends, and his touchdown total ranks third.
Gronkowski was also a massive weapon in the postseason, totaling 98 receptions for 1,389 yards and 15 touchdowns in 22 playoff games. His record for touchdown receptions in the postseason is second only to Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice’s 22.
A four-time All-Pro and a five-time Pro Bowler, Gronkowski won four Super Bowls and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame All-Decade team for the 2010s.
Gronkowksi has long been one of quarterback Tom Brady’s most trusted targets, establishing a relationship with Brady in New England before joining him in Tampa Bay for 2020 and 2021. Gronkowski previously announced his retirement from the NFL. in March 2019 and skipped that season before reteaming with Brady again.
In Brady and Gronkowski’s first season together in Tampa, the pair helped lead the Buccaneers to a 31-9 win in Super Bowl LV against the Kansas City Chiefs.
“In college I was asked to write about a dream job opportunity I wanted to pursue and where the location would be,” Gronkowski said in his Instagram post. “Every time I had to write about my future, no matter what, I chose to be a professional football player. However, for that task, we had to choose the place. So I wrote that I wanted to play in Tampa for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers “. For many reasons, sunny weather is number 1.
“I completely forgot to write this report until 2 years ago when I had the opportunity to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And let me tell you, the journey in Tampa for the last 2 years has surpassed anything I originally wrote in college. big. And for this, I want to thank the entire blue-chip Buccaneers organization for an incredible journey, trusting me to play again and help build a championship team.”
Gronkowski made a name for himself at tight end as an elite receiving threat, particularly inside the red zone, and as a hard-working, physical player who helped open up space for teammates on the run block. and pass. He also battled several major injuries throughout his career and became a fan favorite, in part because of his infectious, fun-loving spirit on the field and the powerful spikes on soccer balls that punctuated the touchdowns he scored. I note.
Reference-www.usatoday.com