Patriots TE Gronkowski announces retirement

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski announced his retirement Sunday
on Instagram, ending one of the league's most dominant and colorful careers
after nine seasons.

"It all started at 20 years old on stage at the NFL draft when my dream came
true, and now here I am about to turn 30 in a few months with a decision I
feel is the biggest of my life so far. I will be retiring from the game of
football today," he wrote.

Gronkowski, who turns 30 in May, thanked the Patriots organization, teammates
and fans in the lengthy post.

"Thank you for everyone accepting who I am and the dedication I have put into
my work to be the best player I could be. But now it's time to move forward,"
he wrote. .".. Cheers to all who have been part of this journey, cheers to the
past for the incredible memories, and a HUGE cheers to the uncertain of what's
next."

Quarterback Tom Brady, who has thrown twice as many touchdowns to Gronkowski
(78) as any other player (Randy Moss, 39) in his career, commented on the
tight end's Instagram post, writing, "Love u man!! The!! Couldn't be a
better person or teammate!!!!"

Bill Belichick, whose 19-year tenure as Patriots coach encompassed
Gronkowski's career, said in statement issued by the team that it has been "a
pleasure and a privilege" to coach Gronkowski.

"Rob will leave an indelible mark on the Patriots organization and the game as
among the best, most complete players at his position to ever play," Belichick
said.

Gronkowski -- who has battled serious injuries to his back and knee and missed
29 games in his career -- openly pondered retirement last offseason, but he
returned for another campaign.

Before Super Bowl LIII this year, he said he would make a decision about his
future a few weeks after the big game. He also discussed the physical wear and
tear he endures throughout the season, as a 6-foot-6, 268-pounder who takes
big hits as a receiver, regularly blocks defensive linemen and often plays
through injury.

"I'm not going to lie and sit here and say every week is the best," Gronkowski
said. "Not at all. You go up. You go down. You can take some serious hits. Try
to imagine getting hit all the time and trying to be where you want to be
every day in life. It's tough. It's difficult."

Over the last several years, Gronkowski has steadily added experience in other
fields, making a WWE appearance in 2017 and taking roles in various movies.
Many reports have said the tight end has his eyes on an acting career in
Hollywood, while some expect him to go into wrestling.

"His production spoke for itself, but his daily attitude, unmistakably
positive energy wherever he went and toward whoever he touched will never be
forgotten," Belichick said.

Patriots chairman and CEO Robert Kraft said in a statement that he looks
forward to honoring Gronkowski "in the near future as both a Patriots and Pro
Football Hall of Famer."

"As great of a player as he was, he is an even better person and ambassador of
the game," Kraft said. "Throughout his career, he made countless appearances
in the community and there was no better remedy for hospital patients than a
visit from Gronk."

A three-time Super Bowl champion, four-time First Team All-Pro and five-time
Pro Bowl selection, Gronkowski caught 521 passes for 7,861 yards and 79
touchdowns in 115 games from 2010-18. Despite playing just nine seasons, he
ranks ninth in NFL history among tight ends in receiving yards and tied for
third in receiving TDs.

No player at any position caught more touchdowns than Gronkowski during his
NFL tenure, and only LeSean McCoy equaled his 80 total touchdowns.

Gronkowski added 81 catches for 1,163 yards and 12 touchdowns in 16 postseason
contests, all top marks among tight ends all-time. Only Jerry Rice (22) has
caught more scores in playoff history.

"From his rookie year until his final season and through countless times in
between, Rob was a major reason why we won games and championships," Belichick
said. "His elite combination of size, skill, intelligence, toughness and
ability to perform in pressure situations set him apart."

--Field Level Media