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FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Rob Gronkowski announced his retirement from the NFL on Sunday via an Instagram post. After nine seasons with the New England Patriots, he ends a career in which he transcends the tight position and is one of the most colorful personalities in the league.
See this post on Instagram
It all started when I was 20 years old on stage at the NFL draft when my dream came true. I am now about to turn 30 in a decision that, in my opinion, is the biggest of my life so far. I will retire from football today. I am very grateful for the chance that Mr. Kraft and his trainer Belichick offered me when writing my nonsense in 2010. My life experiences over the past 9 years have been extraordinary on and off the field. The people I met, the relationships I built, the championships I'm part of, I just want to thank the whole New England Patriots organization for every opportunity I've offered and to learn the great values of life that I can apply. mine. Thank you to all the Pats Nation around the world for the incredible support I have received since joining this 1st class organization. Thank you all for accepting who I am and the dedication I have put into my job to be the best player possible. But now, it's time to move forward and move forward with a big smile knowing that the New England Patriots Organization, the Pats Nation and all my fans will really be an important part of my heart for the rest of my life . It was truly an incredible honor to play for such a successful organization and able to continue to contribute to continued success. To all my past and present teammates, thank you for making each team special every year. I'm really going to miss you guys. Congratulations to all who have been part of this trip, congratulations to the past for its incredible memories and a huge BRAVO for the uncertainty as to the next events.
Gronkowski's 79 touchdown receptions since joining the Patriots as a second-round pick in 2010 led the NFL. He has had at least 10 touchdown receptions in five seasons, which is the tightest in the history of the NFL.
In total, Gronkowski played 115 games in the regular season, totaling 521 receptions for 7,861 yards. He also played in 16 playoff games, with 81 receptions for 1,163 yards and 12 touchdowns, all for a close-out record.
Gronkowski's 12 touchdown receptions in the playoffs are tied for second place in NFL history among all players, behind Jerry Rice's (22). He has played four playoff games in the last 100 games of his career, forcing him into a tie-up with Vernon Davis and Keith Jackson.
Part of the game often overlooked in Gronkowski 's game was its powerful blockage, which made it a rarity in today' s game: a real "combination" of tight end, as effective in as a blocker and pass passerter.
In the days leading up to the Patriots' win over the Los Angeles Rams at the Super Bowl LIII, Gronkowski explained that football had cost him dearly.
"The season is tough, it goes up and down, I'm not going to lie and sit here and say every week is the best, not at all, you go up, you go down, you can make big hits," he said. "Try to imagine being hit all the time and trying to be where you want to be every day of life.It's hard.It's hard.Hitting your thigh, hitting your head, mistreating her. body, it's not what your brain wants.When your body is mistreated, it can weaken your mood.You must be able to cope with this also throughout the season.You must be able to cope with this during the games. "
Gronkowski, who is 6 feet 6 inches and 268 pounds, has a long history of injuries, but is proud to be able to overcome a variety of ailments, including surgeries on the back, forearm and knee.
Gronkowski, who turns 30 on May 14, has often thought before the Super Bowl LIII.
"I'm really happy with my whole career, super satisfied, there are ups and downs, but the situation keeps coming back," he said. "There are so many examples of great players here before me, when I was young, watching and seeing how they bounce when something unfavorable comes up."
Gronkowski's optimistic personality was contagious among his teammates, which kind of began the day the Patriots chose him with the 42nd overall pick of Arizona.
"There was, like, a big mosh stand on stage, and I think everyone was excited to see it," quarterback Tom Brady is remembered in the days leading up to the Super Bowl LIII. "I remember [receiver] We s [Welker] to be like, "We have this guy, and that's the kind of attitude we need." Gronk cut it. I think everyone appreciates it. "
At the same time, Brady emphasized a different aspect of Gronkowski because he has long been one of the most philanthropic players on the team. In 2016, Gronkowski received the Ron Burton Community Service Award from the team.
"For as fat and physical as he is, he is a sweet and kind man," said Brady.
Gronkowski's outstanding achievements in the field include:
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In 2011, he set a tight record in the NFL for the touchdown of one season (18) and a total of 1,327 (yards out of a total of 1,327). He became the first tight member to lead the conference scoring with 108 points.
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Between 2010 and 2012, he became the first tight end of the NFL's history with three touchdown seasons at least 10 times in a row.
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For the fourth time in 2017, he led all tight ends with Tony Gonzalez (7) and Shannon Sharpe (5) for most seasons.
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He became the only end of the NFL history to record three seasons of more than 1,000 yards and more than 10 touchdowns (2011, 2014, 2015).
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He reached the 1,000-yard mark for the fourth time in his career in 2017, connecting Gonzalez and Jason Witten for the longest 1,000-yard seasons.
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His 80 touchdowns (including 79 with a goal in the race) are the most numerous in the history of the Patriots.
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Only Antonio Gates and Philip Rivers have scored more touchdowns between the tight quarterback and quarterback in the NFL's history than Gronkowski's 78 with Brady.
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He recorded his 50th touchdown in his 59th game, 33 games earlier than the second tighter.
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