Best Of Social Media: Reaction To Rob Gronkowski Retirement From Football

Robert Alvarez

5 years ago at 6:00 pm ET

Matthew Emmons - USA TODAY Sports

On Sunday night, New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski formally announced over Instagram that he will be retiring from the NFL after nine professional seasons.

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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. I am so grateful for the opportunity that Mr. Kraft and Coach Belichick gave to me when drafting my silliness in 2010. My life experiences over the last 9 years have been amazing both on and off the field. The people I have meet, the relationships I have built, the championships I have been apart of, I just want to thank the whole New England Patriots organization for every opportunity I have been giving and learning the great values of life that I can apply to mine. Thank you to all of Pats Nation around the world for the incredible support since I have been apart of this 1st class organization. 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 its time to move forward and move forward with a big smile knowing that the New England Patriots Organization, Pats Nation, and all my fans will be truly a big part of my heart for rest of my life. It was truly an incredible honor to play for such a great established organization and able to come in to continue and contribute to keep building success. To all my current and past teammates, thank you for making each team every year special to be apart of. I will truly miss you guys. 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 whats next.

A post shared by Rob Gronkowski (@gronk) on Mar 24, 2019 at 2:53pm PDT

Since entering the league as the 42nd overall pick in 2010, Gronk compiled
521 catches for 7,861 yards with 79 touchdowns during his time in Foxborough.

I will be retiring from the game of football today. I am so grateful for the opportunity that Mr. Kraft and Coach Belichick gave to me when drafting my silliness in 2010. My life experiences, relationships and championships over the last 9 years have been amazing! pic.twitter.com/DAMM9wMVxb
— Rob Gronkowski (@RobGronkowski) March 25, 2019

Gronk earned five Pro Bowl selections over his career but dealt with
multiple back surgeries, a twice-broken arm and a torn ACL.

Despite the injuries, Gronk put together a career that all but assures him a place in Canton, Ohio at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Check out all the best reactions from social media to the news below.

Statement from Bill Belichick on @RobGronkowski. pic.twitter.com/aSivcAkF3u
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) March 25, 2019

Statement from Josh McDaniels on @RobGronkowski: https://t.co/lxogPSX0mU pic.twitter.com/YkVsyY9JHB
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) March 25, 2019

To @RobGronkowski — a once-in-a-lifetime player, larger-than-life personality and goodwill ambassador who's impacted countless young lives with your community service — thanks and congrats! It's been a privilege the past 6 seasons trying to describe the often indescribable
— Bob Socci (@BobSocci) March 24, 2019

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What an honor and privilege to play with you these past nine years @gronk! You accomplished so much and our team was almost unbeatable when you were on the field! Your fun-loving, inspiring, and positive energy made an impact on everybody you came into contact with! Not just that, but for as great as a player you are, you are a better teammate and person. The NFL was a better place with you in it! But I have no doubt you will be a success in anything you do!!! Love you pal!

A post shared by Tom Brady (@tombrady) on Mar 24, 2019 at 4:01pm PDT

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A post shared by Julian Edelman (@edelman11)

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Icon. #TheGronk

A post shared by Julian Edelman (@edelman11) on Mar 25, 2019 at 12:18pm PDT

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A post shared by Camille Kostek (@camillekostek)

Congrats @RobGronkowski on a incredible career brotha! BEAST MODE!!!
— Chris Hogan (@ChrisHogan_15) March 25, 2019

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2010 Drafted together and now 9 years later 3x super bowl champs. Man I’ve appreciated you as a teammate and leader…fighting through everything. CONGRATS…Enjoy retirement.. #firstballot Dmac

A post shared by Jason+Devin McCourty (@mccourtytwins) on Mar 24, 2019 at 3:50pm PDT

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Where do I start @gronk ….First thing congrats man, you deserve this. All the work and sacrifice I’ve seen you go through for 9 years. And doing it with a smile on your face! Thank you for making football fun for 9 years, with your good but bad dance moves! Thank you for making me the player I am. I’m not doing any of this shit without your help and work ethic. From rookie years to 9-10 years later. Betting $100 a day for winner that day in practice. Dreading practice but we keep pushing and worked through it Haha. I owe most my career to you and things I’m able to do on the field man. I’ve said it before, and it won’t change. Thank you. Enjoy retirement! Dance your ass off, keep smiling, being a clown, love life. I’ll join ya soon! Love you man! The greatest to ever do it! #bigchung from #littlegronk

A post shared by Patrick Chung (@23patrickchung) on Mar 25, 2019 at 4:14am PDT

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A post shared by James White (@sweetfeet)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvcStbABRbd/

My guy!!! @RobGronkowski Robbbbyyyyyy Ggggggg! Much love homie! I’m happy that you get to leave the game on your own terms. You are the Best TE ever to play the game! Can’t wait to see what you do next….. #RobbyGradio #GOAT
— Kyle Van Noy (@KVN_03) March 24, 2019

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A post shared by Sony Michel (@flyguy2stackz)

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A post shared by Duron Harmon (@dharm26)

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The best to ever do it. Congrats on a great career brotha and enjoy the next chapter!

A post shared by Rex Burkhead (@rbrex34) on Mar 24, 2019 at 4:29pm PDT

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvaXUxQlpcI/

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That’ll do @gronk that’ll do. Honored to go to work with you every single day. Love ya brother.

A post shared by James Develin (@jdevelin) on Mar 25, 2019 at 9:55am PDT

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvaVxD5H0LG/

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I'm glad to be able to say I practiced and played with the one of the best players in history. It was a privilege to learn from you for 3 years. Going out a champion is only right for you! #RetireonTop

A post shared by Eric Rowe (@eric_rowe25) on Mar 24, 2019 at 5:54pm PDT

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Congratulations @gronk on an amazing career. It was an honor to play with you. Your passion for the game and love for your teammates were just incredible. I can’t wait to see what’s next for you my friend. #gronk #goat #patriots #retirement #nfl #rannfl #patriotsdeutschland #nfldeutschland

A post shared by Sebastian Vollmer (@sebastianvollmer) on Mar 24, 2019 at 4:27pm PDT

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Thank you @gronk. It’s been a pleasure to witness your career. Keep smiling and having fun in whatever your future holds. You are truly one of a kind. #HOF

A post shared by Tedy Bruschi (@tedybruschi) on Mar 24, 2019 at 7:39pm PDT

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Congratulations @gronk the best TE to ever play the game!!!Incredible football player but even better person/teammate. I will always cherish the laughs and the pain we caused each other in One on Ones. We were smarter at the end (acting like we were going hard) You went out on top and on your terms, nothing better!!! Congrats Champ!! #goldjacketsoon #beast #gronk #champ

A post shared by Robert Ninkovich (@nink50) on Mar 24, 2019 at 3:19pm PDT

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Roger Murtaugh: Guess what? Martin Riggs: What? Roger Murtaugh: I don't want to work with you! Martin Riggs: Hey, don't. Roger Murtaugh: Ain't got no choice! Looks like we both been f*cked! Martin Riggs: Terrific. Roger Murtaugh: God hates me. That's what it is. Martin Riggs: Hate him back; it works for me. *Roger Murtaugh: Have you ever met anybody you didn't kill? Martin Riggs: I haven't killed you yet. *Martin Riggs: Every single day I wake up and think of a reason not to do it. Every single day. And you know why I don't do it? This is going to make you laugh. You know why I don't do it? The job. Doing the job. Now that's the reason. *Roger Murtaugh: I'm too old for this… enjoy retirement @gronk it was incredible… everything.

A post shared by Martellus Bennett (@martellusb) on Mar 24, 2019 at 6:03pm PDT

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Played with some DOMINANT players and I think @gronk made it look the easiest. Congrats on the HOF career #87!! Matchup Nightmare #2014SquadWasStacked #PracticeWasHarderThanGames

A post shared by Logan Ryan (@loganryan) on Mar 25, 2019 at 1:11pm PDT

Congrats to my little, I mean younger, bro. Unreal career that entertained and impressed everyone that got to watch. pic.twitter.com/2TpPNsgaer
— Chris Gronkowski (@Chrisgronkowski) March 24, 2019

https://twitter.com/ESanders_10/status/1109941418150281217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1109941418150281217&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcsports.com%2Fboston%2Fpatriots%2Ftom-brady-react-rob-gronkowski-retirement

https://twitter.com/LeVeonBell/status/1109945245800824832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1109945245800824832&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcsports.com%2Fboston%2Fpatriots%2Ftom-brady-react-rob-gronkowski-retirement

Congrats on an incredible career @RobGronkowski. One of the best to ever do it. Best wishes on whatever comes next!
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) March 24, 2019

https://twitter.com/BIrvin_WVU11/status/1109944240325431298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1109944240325431298&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcsports.com%2Fboston%2Fpatriots%2Ftom-brady-react-rob-gronkowski-retirement

https://twitter.com/gregolsen88/status/1109949544727494657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1109949544727494657&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcsports.com%2Fboston%2Fpatriots%2Ftom-brady-react-rob-gronkowski-retirement

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvazyFHhVXK/

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To the most genuine man I’ve ever met. I love your hugs. Spikes. Buses. And I’ll never forget our trips home. Congrats on such an amazing career!! LFG bro. @gronk #potatoesacker

A post shared by Danny Amendola (@dannyamendola) on Mar 25, 2019 at 7:04am PDT

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A post shared by Brandin Cooks (@thearcher)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvaULX_hUSk/?utm_source=ig_embed

S/O to my Bruh @RobGronkowski on a fabulous career. Had a blast blessing the field with you my brother. Enjoy your post career bruh #BlessBless
— Deion Branch #83 #84 (@deionbranch84) March 24, 2019

.@RobGronkowski what a career! First ballot HOF! Elite in both phases of the game. It wasn’t always the prettiest or flashiest but you set the bar for this generation of players for what it means to be complete and dominant at the position. Congratulations! Respect
— Benjamin Watson (@BenjaminSWatson) March 25, 2019