Tight end Rob Gronkowski announced his retirement from the NFL on Tuesday after a combined 11 seasons with the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Gronkowski spent his entire Patriots career as a teammate and pass-catcher alongside quarterback Tom Brady and wide receiver Julian Edelman. Gronk reunited again later with the veteran QB in Tampa where he won his fourth Super Bowl ring. Check out the best bookmakers for betting on the NFL!
Both Brady and Edelman sent heartfelt messages to Gronkowski on Instagram shortly after the announcement.
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The comment expresses exactly what Gronk meant to the seven-time Super Bowl champion. A coworker, friend, and brother. Nothing sums up their friendship dynamic better than those three words. The two have been inseparable since Gronk joined the Patriots, and that bond was maintained when both moved to Tampa Bay.
“Even more important is the person he was off the field,” Brady said. “Focused when he had to be, and FUN the rest of the time. Having Gronk in your locker room was every NFL player’s dream. I’m proud of all that we’ve accomplished together, and even more excited for all you have ahead of you.”
He then congratulated him on embarking on a new chapter in his life.
“Congrats Gronk, you deserve it.”
Meanwhile, Edelman also sent a brief message to his former Patriots and consisted of a few photos.
He posted a slideshow of four photos on Instagram, the first of which was a Calvin and Hobbs-style image.
Cartoon versions of Edelman and Gronk are seated in a moving cart, with Edelman driving and Gronk sitting in the passenger seat behind him. Edelman also shared two candid photos of himself with Gronk. The final image was a Calvin and Hobbs cartoon in which Hobbs inquires, “If good things lasted forever, would we appreciate how precious they are?”
The final image showed Edelman’s admiration and affection for Gronkowski.
“There will only ever be one Gronk.” Edelman wrote as a caption. “Love you bro. #FoxboroForever”
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In New England, Edelman and Gronk won three Super Bowls together and were two of Brady’s biggest allies. In 141 games, Edelman recorded 620 passes for 6,822 yards and 36 touchdowns in 11 seasons with the Patriots, while Gronk finished with 521 receptions for 7,861 yards and 79 TDs.
Brady later praised Gronk’s efforts over a 12-year span that included nagging injuries and hits to both his legs and torso. The level of success attained by these two appears difficult to duplicate and may never be seen again.
Brady and Gronk have a personal relationship away from the field. Whether it was off-season baseball training or their short spell with the Buccaneers, they always seemed to enjoy each other’s company. It will be difficult not to hear the words “Tommy & Gronky,” in the same sentence during the upcoming NFL seasons. They have a history of making headlines together.
Gronkowski previously told Sports Illustrated that he might come out of retirement. He mentioned that if Edelman signs with the Buccaneers, he will join him for another season.
“Oh yeah, if Julian signs with the Bucs right now, I’m coming back for a whole other year. Hands down. I was just with him last night. He needs to sign with the Bucs.” Gronk said last month.
Gronkowski first retired from the NFL in 2019, taking a year off before returning in 2020 to play alongside Brady with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Meanwhile, Edelman remained a devoted Patriot since the first time he was selected in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft until his retirement in 2020.
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