Former Patriot Rob Gronkowski Retires From NFL

FOXBOROUGH, MA — Former New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has retired, the four-time Super Bowl champion with the Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced on Instagram Tuesday.

"I will now be going back into my retirement home, walking away from football again with my head held high knowing I gave it everything I had, good or bad, every time I stepped out on the field," Gronkowski said on Instagram thanking the Buccaneers. "The friendships and relationships I have made will last forever, and I appreciate every single one of my teammates and coaches for giving everything they had as well. From retirement, back to football and winning another championship and now back to chilling out, thank you to all."

Gronkowski started his career with the Patriots in 2010 and won three Super Bowls in 2014, 2016 and 2018 with the team before retiring after the 2018 season. But the four-time All-Pro's first stint out of football did not last long. In 2020, Gronkowski reunited with Tom Brady in Tampa, winning another Vince Lombardi trophy.

During his time in New England, Gronkowski made five Pro Bowls, and in 2011, set the record for most receiving touchdowns in a season by a tight end with 17.

Gronkowski finished his career with 621 receptions, 9,286 receiving yards and 92 touchdowns. His 92 touchdowns are third all-time in NFL history, trailing only Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates.