Gronk to retire

[borisman]

See you in the Monday Night Football booth instead of Witten.

 

[EddardSnow67]

Whether he's the GOAT is a debate, but
he's absolutely the most physically dominant tight end ever. He's one of the most unique players in NFL history.

 

[supafly]

Bill knew weeks ago.

Well, if he did he didn’t do the greatest job of trying to mitigate the loss of that type of production. I always trust Belichick’s vision, but we lost out on some offensive weapons and now have big holes at both receiver AND tight end.

Like you said, the season doesn’t start today.

 

[NashuaPats]

I loved when he was drafted.



"That is a football playing family." - Mayock

 

[JDot]

One of the best TE's I have ever watched. One of my favourite pats players all-time. Lots of good memories.

 

[supafly]

Trade for AJ Green is a MUST, at this point

Megatron? Dez?

 

[Love The Drake]

Damn I can't believe this.

 

[Charlotte Pats Fan]

He’ll pull a Junior Seau, hopefully

 

[NJPatsfan26]

End of a era for the Patriots. Going to miss the energy and carisma he had for the game . Best of luck Gronk.

 

[Love The Drake]

Cook did he sign yet?

 

[Brewskies]

I am not sorry to hear he is retiring. As someone who has lived many years with bad back pain, I hope he didn't damage himself to prevent him from enjoying his retirement and the rest of his life.

Thanks, Gronk for being a Patriot your entire career. It was a pleasure watching you do your job.

Enjoy the life that's left.

 

[borisman]

Congrats to Gronk, goes out on his terms, a champion. Good for us, as fans, we never have to watch him decline.

Not surprised.

Ok, Bill, big shoes to fill.

Almost impossible, I'd say.

 

[Ross12]

Will always be one of my favorite players ever. His big goofy smile and positivity will be sorely missed in the locker room, I’m sure. Really hope he takes some kind of booth gig, I will miss him too much.

 

[patfanken]

I'd be willing to bet that he's been in communication with the team, and that they had a general sense of where he was. If he was trying to get his body ready and he just couldn't get there, then it's hard to fault him for that IMO.

And even if none of that is true and he blindsided the team, then whatever - he's given the organization enough that any criticism of this decision is inherently misplaced IMO.

Yeah, I think that's the right read on this. I'm thinking he was on the side of coming back IF his body felt good by this point. It is likely he still has some aches and pains, and he owed to the Pats to make a decision around now, and here we are.

Sad day. Hard to watch great players leave. A bit easier when they go out on top, and with the signature play of the superbowl. I wish him the best and hope that he doesn't have any regrets down the rode.

BTW- It does make Willie Maginest's speculation about a mid-season return a BIT more viable now. Well we all have to have hope.

 

[Froob]

What a way to go out with the game winning catch in the Super Bowl! Not sure if he’ll be first but if not def second or third ballot. Can’t wait to see him in Canton.

 

[Fixit]

Argue all you want on whether he's the GOAT TE due to longevity/lack thereof, but anyone who argues that his best wasn't miles better than anyone else's best is crazy.

 

[Dr Pain]

I think this is a very smart move I would want him to make if he was my son

 

[Kontradiction]

Great career. Wish he would have made the decision a couple of days ago to make the Pats a more attractive destination for Cook but Gronk earned the right.

The receiving corps right now? Yikes.

 

[jimnance]

2nd greatest Patriot all-time. ( Sorry, Hog, that's just how it is)

 

[Steve102]

Almost impossible, I'd say.

Agreed. Gronk is a unique talent, to be sure. But I am confident they will find someone who will get them 80% of the production for 40% of the money. They always do.