Rob Gronkowski says he’d choose to retire if forced into decision ‘right now’
Tom Brady‘s potential retirement isn’t the only future to track in Tampa Bay. Future Hall of Fame tight end Rob Gronkowski could also call it quits — again.
The 32-year-old TMZ Sport said he would leave if he was forced to make a decision today, given his mood after the 2021 season ended in a division round.
“If they’re like, ‘Rob, you’ve got to decide right now, right this second if you’re playing next year,’ I would say no right now. It’s two days after the season,” Gronk said. “I would be like, ‘No, I’m not playing.’ … You’ve got to give it some time. You’ve got to rest. I would say to see how everything goes, how everything plays out.”
A free agent this offseason, Gronk clarified that most seasons he feels like he might walk away in the immediate aftermath of a campaign. It`s a reality that, for many players, the rigors of putting your body through an NFL season leave them worn and weary.
The tight end said his answer could be different in three, four or five weeks.
“If I had an answer right now, it would be no,” Gronk said. “But in three weeks, it might be yes.”
Gronkowski has played in 12 regular season games, scoring 55 catches at 802 yards and 6 TDs. This is the most regular season yard since 2017. He had two postseasons and he caught nine passes with 116 yards and one point. Gronck played an important role in keeping the NFC South Champion’s pass game strong, as the injury appeared to be blocking the position of the Bucks receiver throughout the season.
“I just want to heal completely, see where my thoughts are from there,” Gronk said. “Just let things settle down — got to just heal a little bit. Fix all the bumps and bruises.”
In addition to his feelings, Brady’s future will probably influence Gronck’s decision. The tight end returned from his first retirement and played especially for the TB12. So it’s hard to see Star TE keep fighting when BFF resigns.
But Gronk said he’ll make his own decision about whether to continue his career or retire.
In addition to his feelings, Brady‘s future will probably influence Gronck’s decision. The tight end returned from his first retirement and played especially for the TB12. So it’s hard to see Star TE keep fighting when BFF resigns.
