Today in Sports History: 3/24 – Rob Gronkowski Announces Retirement

Credit: Kevin Hoffman/USA TODAY Sports

Today in sports history (2019), New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski announced his retirement from the NFL. Gronkowski was drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round in the 2010 NFL Draft. With Tom Brady, Gronkowski became one of the most popular players in NFL history. This came from his carefree and party attitude. Being the ultimate odd couple, Gronkowski and Brady dominated the NFL in their time together, becoming one of the greatest passer-pass catching duos in NFL history.

Even with the “party-boy” personality, Rob Gronkowski produced on the football field. At the end of his tenure with New England, Gronkowski was thought of to be one of the best tight ends ever. Gronk would eventually return from retirement to join Brady on the Buccaneers.

Rob Gronkowski Becomes an NFL Legend

Rob Gronkowski will always be remembered in NFL history for three things — his personality, his dominance and his injuries. In his time with the Patriots, Gronkowski recorded 521 receptions for 7,861 yards and 79 touchdowns. As a player for the Patriots, Gronkowski set the record for the first tight end to lead the league in receiving touchdowns, with 17 in 2011.

During his time in New England, Gronkowski missed 29 regular season games with injuries. He also missed the 2017 Super Bowl, due to injury. When he wasn’t injured, Gronkowski won three Super Bowls. He played in two and lost two. What really made Gronkowski a star was a combination of his size and athleticism. His combination of catching and blocking led some to believe that Gronkowski is the most dominant player in NFL history in relation to his position, although Justin Tucker would have something to say.

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