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It was long overdue, but Rob Gronkowski is back home. The legendary tight end is back with the New England Patriots, albeit symbolically.
As reported by the team, he’s finally been granted his wish. He will retire with the Pats after signing a one-day contract with the team:
“[Rob Gronkowski] officially retires as a Patriot,” via the New England Patriots on X.
.@RobGronkowski officially retires as a Patriot!
THANK YOU GRONK 🙌 pic.twitter.com/ty2MlStElD
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) November 12, 2025
Gronkowski was the most dominant tight end in the game when he was in his prime, and it wasn’t particularly close. He took the reins when fellow tight end Aaron Hernandez went to prison, and he never looked back.
Along with Tom Brady, Gronk was the focal point of the Patriots’ efficient offense, breaking records in the regular season and the playoffs with ease. Some believe he’s the greatest pass-catching tight end of all time, and the tape certainly backs that up.
Unfortunately, injuries constantly got in the way. While he played through pain more often than not, he was also forced to miss time because of different ailments.
Gronk ultimately chose to retire early, but he wouldn’t be away from the game for too long. Once Brady took his talents to Florida to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he didn’t need much convincing to pad up again and reunite with his old pal.
Watching Gronkowski play for another franchise was always an odd sight. He was forever tied to and associated with the Patriots, just like Brady.
Now, he’s back where he was always supposed to be. He will be eligible to enter the Patriots’ Hall of Fame next year, and there’s no doubt that he’ll get that nod.
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