Rob Gronkowski, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The NFL world is reacting accordingly to Rob Gronkowski retiring for the second time.
After two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, future Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end Rob Gronkowski is hanging up the spikes for good this time.
Gronkowski was already destined for Canton based strictly on his brilliant career with the New England Patriots. Playing alongside Tom Brady, Gronkowski won four Super Bowls. While it is debatable if he is the greatest tight end to walk this earth, one thing is certain: Nobody had more fun than Gronk playing football. He is truly one of one, and best of luck to him in retirement again.
Jordan Schultz broke the news of Gronkowski calling it a career for the second time over Twitter.
Here is the tweet Gronkowski shared of his Instagram message that it is over in the NFL for him.
NFL world reacts to Rob Gronkowski retiring from the profession a second time
Even if he first made a name for himself catching touchdown passes from The GOAT for the Evil Empire, Gronkowski was one of those rare players who was universally beloved by everyone.
Being one of the greatest all-around tight ends ever certainly took a toll on his body. Outside of the 2019 NFL season where he was not on a team, Gronkowski played the game of football with a childlike enthusiasm that everybody naturally gravitated to.
While it remains to be seen if this is indeed the last time he plays in the NFL, as even his own agent Drew Rosenhaus suggested his client could come back at some point to Tampa Bay later this year, Gronkowski has a lifetime of endorsement opportunities and other business ventures ahead of him.
Ultimately, we can all learn a lesson or two from Gronk. He was the epitome of work hard, play hard throughout his illustrious career. Though he may have given off tremendous party boy vibes in his early Patriots days, Gronkowski does not become the mythical character he is today without a relentless work ethic and the discipline to go from an Arizona afterthought to an all-time great.
Congratulations on a helluva career, Gronk, and may you get to happy hour on time this Tuesday!