Gronk to retire

Gentleman Gentleman us tearing at each other isn't what Gronk would want.
Hed want us shotgunning beers and doing jokes about our junk.
Come on we are better than this

Jangles said:

Jason Witten ahead of Gronk

lol'd

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Sure, but Witten has almost 2x the number of catches, so I can see why they’d include him in the conversation.

No one in the modern era seems to have been as dominant of a blocker, but some had better stats. On the other hand, there were dominant blockers in the older days, but those guys didn’t have the flashy stats.

As a whole, I respect Gil Brandt’s opinion as he was a scout for many decades and pretty much changed the whole business. It’s not like the list is coming from some idiot talking head. Of course, everything is subjective.

I don't know if I can call Gronk the GOAT TE due to lack of longevity. But he was clearly the best ever in his prime when healthy and I doubt any player will ever come close.

Thanks for the memories and championships Gronk. We don't win 2014 without him and maybe not last year either even as dominant as the defense was.

DropKickFlutie said:

Rob Gronkowski a first-ballot Hall of Fame lock? Probably not, say voters – Boston Herald

- Brings up the argument issue of Calvin Johnson, another elite player who only played 8-9 years.
- Gonzalez got in and before that was only Shannon Sharpe. Antonio Gates and Witten are also up soon.

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Wasnt gates on the chargers this year?

ChrisR2223 said:

Gentleman Gentleman us tearing at each other isn't what Gronk would want.
Hed want us shotgunning beers and doing jokes about our junk.
Come on we are better than this

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Hahaha! And you think Gronk would want us acting like the sky is falling?

scott99 said:

He knew as early as last year. It was an easy decision that needed to be done earlier. Plain and simple.

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So he knew as early as last year and chose to wait until now for what reason?
Don't be silly clearly this wasn't an easy decision.

I can see two things being equally possible.

1. Gronk wants a break. He unretires in December/playoff time. I rejuvenated and is back with the team next year too.

2. This is the start of the end. He's the first of the triumvirate to go and Brady/Edelman may well follow in the next 1-3 years.

if 2, I will always be thankful for the wild ride.

Triumph said:

Speaking of *****ing do you know who keeps reporting me?

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No, that’s not my style. But since you asked me and may suspect it’s me, I’ll give you take on reporting other posters. I consider myself difficult to be offended by politically correct words and issues, but there are instances where it crosses a line.

I’ve reported someone who continued to use of the word “raped” to describe a football matchup, which I thought was beyond the pale, though I’m far from politically correct, and privately two people PM’d me to say they also felt very uncomfortable with that word used casually and in a context of victory. And I have reported someone for the totally unnecessary postings of swastikas and concentration camp images over and over again to make a point which was already made since Nazi and Faacist was already in the text he was writing...this was in a discussion about NFL team owners.

I don’t report people due to disagreements. I remember having a disagreement with you about Josh Gordon and addiction, but I definitely do not recall reporting or complaining about it to moderators.

KontradictioN said:

I don’t think he would have went harder after OBJ. I think he will see who falls in the draft but I have to believe the passing game is going to be reinvented around the WR position for the time being. Smith would still be a good fit out of Alabama because he doesn’t automatically key pass or run. I doubt they get a sniff at either of the Iowa TEs.

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I don't think both of those Iowa guys are going Top 10. So I can see a Trade up in the teens for the other.

thanks Gronk you gave everything for your team. Thank you for all the big moments and the fun you brought to the game. You will be missed big guy enjoy your retirement and enjoy a long and joy filled life

zydecochris said:

I've learned to respect very much your opinions on this website, so I have to say I'm a bit surprised by this particular take. Why do you think he isn't in the conversation for the greatest TE? I"m not arguing with you, I just am interested in your reasons.

I guess I've always thought that TE's are mostly evaluated by stats instead of blocking, and he brought a combination that was unique.

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Hey, thanks for the kind words, man.

Personally, I don’t think there is a clear cut reason to place Gronk at the top of the all-time list, and that is due to his injuries and somewhat shorter (when compared to other great TEs) career. I think he would’ve been there had he played another 3-4 seasons, though.

If you are going to use stats as an evaluation, then he wouldn’t be at the top. If you use blocking as an evaluation, he probably wouldn’t be at the top (at least according to some of the “expert” scouts from long ago). I think he’s probably going to be in the top several in both categories, and he’ll likely be the best TE to ever put on a Pats uni, but I can’t agree that he’s a clear #1. Just an opinion. There are lots of debates as to who is in the top 5-10.

ChrisR2223 said:

Gentleman Gentleman us tearing at each other isn't what Gronk would want.
Hed want us shotgunning beers and doing jokes about our junk.

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What's funny about junk? After it goes in the dumpster I forget about it. My upstairs office needs cleaning but it's nothing to joke about.

KontradictioN said:

You’re not wrong, but earned the right to take his time.

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I'm of the opinion that this was calculated to come out on the eve of the owners meeting to take Kraft off the front page.

IcyPatriot said:

One would think Patriot fans would at least for today use this thread to honor Gronk.

Not sure that right now - today - it matters who is/was the best TE ever.

But some just cannot help themselves and love to argue ... unreal.

.

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its pretty pathetic that a mod has to state this. there is something wrong with the people who think he wasnt an all time great, and pats fans should know better than anyone

Triumph said: ↑
Speaking of *****ing do you know who keeps reporting me
I'm of the understanding Snitches get Stitches.

FCB02062 said:

Shouldn't have cheaped out on Jared Cook

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shouldn't have cheaped out on Gronk

Th3Birdman said:

Might be the stupidest comment I've ever seen addressed directly to me to be honest. Not even going to dignify this with an iota of a thoughtful response. Jesus.

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My response was disproportionate and I apologize. I think if you’re going to say of all-time you should consider people may scoff at a list that includes only very modern players from recent memory when the league is almost 100 years old.