Rob Gronkowski sounds like returns Patriots is doubtful
Rob Gronkowski was arguably the New England Patriots’ most important player in last season’s AFC Championship Game and Super Bowl. Now, he’s retired.
At 30 years old, Rob Gronkowski walked away from the game which made him rich and famous. It’s the same game that left him bruised, battered and far too often, broken. A bank account filled with generational wealth and hands adorned by three Super Bowl rings, there’s little left for Gronkowski to prove.
Want $250 to bet on NFL Week 1?
Sign up here!
Still, due to his age, many believe a comeback is in the offing at some juncture. New England didn’t make any attempt to replace his production at tight end this offseason, and his rights still belong to the Patriots. However, Gronkowski told NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport that while he could play right now, his heart wouldn’t be in it. Per NFL.com:
“Just like I knew I needed to walk away from the game. I just felt it. Just felt like it was time. You just have that feeling inside. Just going with the heart, just going with the gut feeling, and that’s how I’m going to be living my life too, with what my gut feeling is telling me. Throughout my life I’ve had gut feelings and then I didn’t go with them. I went with a different option, and then it never works out. I swear it never does.
“You always want to go with what you’re truly feeling, even if it doesn’t make sense to someone else. If it makes sense to you then it makes sense to do that. If I get the gut feeling, that’s what I would need. My soul would have to be on fire, and I wouldn’t just listen to it for one day. It would have to be a consistent basis, too.”
Read: Ezekiel Elliott One Step Closer to Record New Deal
The former University of Arizona star leaves behind an incomparable legacy. While he doesn’t hold records for most receptions, receiving yards or touchdowns for a tight end, ample pundits believe he’s the greatest to ever play the position. Gronkowski was an incredible blend of size and athleticism, combining to produce an elite blocker who devastated opponents in the passing game. Simply put, Gronkowski will be entering the Pro Football Hall of Fame on the first ballot.
Meanwhile, New England soldiers on without Gronkowski, co-favorites to win the Super Bowl alongside the Kansas City Chiefs. We’ll see if No. 87 has a change of heart throughout the season.
