Rob Gronkowski, New England’s iconic No. 87, signed a one-day contract on November 12, 2025, at Foxboro, Massachusetts, retiring as a Patriot just as the late Susan Hurley wished. CBS Boston confirmed Gronkowski’s official departure from football in a move both emotional and historic, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest tight ends ever to play the game.
How Rob Gronkowski’s Retirement Honors a Friend and Patriots Legacy
Rob Gronkowski
Oct 21, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Rob Gronkowski former NFL tight end entertains the fans during a Monday Night Football game between the Baltimore Ravens and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
News broke early Wednesday when Gronkowski entered Gillette Stadium, surrounded by franchise legends and media, to complete the ceremonial retirement process. For the New England faithful, this gesture held more profound significance. Not only did Gronkowski bring home three Super Bowls across nine seasons, but his bond with the region endured long after touchdowns and parades primarily through acts of generosity, such as the $1.8 million donation for the Gronk Playground project, which proved that his ties to Foxboro ran deeper than football.
Pivoting to the heart of the story, Gronkowski tied this retirement to a solemn promise: “The reason we’re really going to do that is because of Susan Hurley. She wants to see that happen and has been dreaming about it happening for a while.” Hurley, who worked closely with Gronkowski on charitable causes, lost her battle with cancer earlier this month at age 62. For Gronk, this day was as much about the people behind the scenes as the highlight-reel plays.
Robert Kraft,Patriots owner, opened the ceremony with praise: “We’re going to celebrate one of the greatest ever to wear our Patriots uniform in Rob Gronkowski. His energy, talent and infectious joy … lit up a stadium and inspired Patriots Nation for nearly a decade”. Statistics prove Kraft’s claim: Gronkowski averaged nearly 70 receptions, 1,000 yards, and more than 10 touchdowns per season in his prime, contributing to three Patriots titles and a fourth in Tampa Bay after his 2019 comeback.
Gronkowski reflected on the journey,stating,“That first one will always be my favorite one. The parade, the duck boats, all that.” His signature end zone spikes and electric personality didn’t just fill stat sheets; they defined New England football’s golden era. “I got a free pass because of the fans accepting everything,” Gronkowski explained, crediting Patriot Nation for “blowing up the Gronk persona to a whole other level.”
Hurley’s influence extended to every facet of Gronkowski’s philanthropic outreach. “Her strength and resilience were truly inspirational, and she will be greatly missed,” Gronkowskiposted, emphasizing how her positivity drove him to this closing milestone. On her request, a one-day contract was signed, fulfilling not just a wish but a promise long shared between two tireless supporters of Boston’s spirit.
This November has etched yet another chapter in Patriots lore, punctuated by gratitude, remembrance, and a gesture that reaches far beyond the gridiron. Gronkowski’s career started and ended where his heart always believed it belonged.