In a touching finish to a storied NFL career one New England Patriots great is hanging up his cleats for good. The news comes as the 2025 Patriots are 8-2 and looking like one of the best teams in the NFL.
Rob Gronkowski has announced he will sign a one‑day contract to officially retire as a Patriot, closing the loop on his legacy with the franchise that drafted him.
Gronkowski, 36, spent nine seasons in New England, won three Super Bowls with the Patriots and added a fourth ring with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — but his heart has always been in Foxborough.
Career Highlights and Legacy For Rob Gronkowski
Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; A New England Patriots helmet sits on the sideline during the first half against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; A New England Patriots helmet sits on the sideline during the first half against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Drafted in the second round in 2010, Gronkowski quickly became one of the most dominant tight ends in NFL history. During his New England tenure, he compiled 79 receiving touchdowns and played a pivotal role in multiple championship runs.
After initially retiring in 2019, he returned to play with the Buccaneers from 2020‑21 and added another Super Bowl to his resume. By the end of his career, his totals included 621 receptions for 9,286 yards and 92 touchdowns, across both regular season and playoffs.
Why This Matters to Patriots Nation
Feb 3, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) catches a pass against Los Angeles Rams inside linebacker Cory Littleton (58) in Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 3, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) catches a pass against Los Angeles Rams inside linebacker Cory Littleton (58) in Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
For Patriots fans, Gronkowski represented the golden era of the franchise — electrifying plays, memorable celebrations and consistent success. His decision to retire as a Patriot sends a message: the legacy he built in Foxborough is where he belongs.
Throughout the process, Gronkowski credited former Patriots owner Robert Kraft and philanthropist Susan Hurley — whose wish it was for Gronk to end his career as a Patriot by signing a ceremonial one‑day contract. Kraft gave the idea a “thumbs up,” and Gronkowski said, “I like that a lot… we’re gonna make it happen in the future.”
What the One‑Day Contract Means
While the one‑day contract is ceremonial — Gronkowski won’t return to game play — it affords him the opportunity to officially finish his career wearing the Patriots’ colors. It’s a symbolic gesture that aligns with how several NFL legends choose to retire with the team most meaningful to their career.
Final Takeaway
Rob Gronkowski’s announcement is more than a retirement story — it’s a full‑circle moment. A Super Bowl winner, fan favorite and cultural icon, he’s designed his exit to reflect familial ties with New England. Patriots Nation will remember him not just for touchdowns and spikes, but for his lasting imprint on the franchise.
As the paperwork becomes official and the ceremony unfolds, one thing’s clear: when Rob Gronkowski signs that one‑day contract, he will do so as the Patriot he has always been.
For All Football Content:
Follow me on X (formerly Twitter) at @mcquadewarnold . Also, do not forget to follow us at On Twitter for even more great football content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in the world of Football – especially with all the trade rumors swirling around and free agency new s – college football, and more,click here!