Rob Gronkowski Almost Retired During Training Camp: Report

FOXBOROUGH, MA — Rumors are flying about the future of New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, but his career almost ended before the start of last season, according to a new report.

Sources tell Tom E. Curran of NBC Sports Boston that Gronkowski almost walked away from football during training camp last year and the atmosphere in Foxborough is "starting to wear on him mentally and physically."

"They still need to have a hell of an air-clearing at Patriot Place to get these guys back," Curran said on Boston Sports Tonight.

The retirement rumors began after the Super Bowl and only intensified after reports that Gronkowski wants to be a movie star and that the WWE is willing to extend an offer to him if he leaves football.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Steven Senne