03/24/2019 By Tyler Englander
A staple of the Patriots dynasty is calling it a career. New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski announced his retirement on Instagram Sunday evening.
Gronkowski wrote “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.”
Gronkowski thanked Patriots Nation for their support saying, “now it’s 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 the rest of my life.”
The Patriots drafted Gronkowski with the 42nd overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. In his nine years in the NFL, he was named to five Pro Bowls and won three Super Bowls. In addition, Gronkowski also holds more than a dozen NFL records, including being the only tight end to have three seasons of at least 1,000 yards and at least 10 touchdowns.
Gronkowski did not allude to what he will do in the future, but those plans will likely include going to Canton, Ohio is a few years to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.