Rob Gronkowski retirement rumors: Giardi, Rosenhaus weigh in
Though Rob Gronkowski continues to keep the world waiting regarding his retirement decision, sources close to the situation have new information.
Ever since the Patriots fell to the Eagles in Super Bowl 52, questions have followed Rob Gronkowski concerning his future. Gronk himself did little to dispel the rumors and wonderings a year ago, openly contemplating retirement aloud to reporters and even threatening it internally after reports leaked of a potential trade to the Lions.
Despite a relatively down year from Gronkowski in 2018, the prolific tight end endured through injuries and criticism of his play to finish strong – reminding everyone just how valuable he still is to this franchise with an incredible postseason run. The exclamation point was his performance in Super Bowl 53 against the Rams, wherein he caught six passes for 87 yards, including the most important reception of the game that essentially set up Sony Michel’s go-ahead touchdown run.
If indeed that game was Gronkowski’s last, it’s fitting that No. 87 finished with exactly 87 yards receiving.
Gronkowski’s family has supported him throughout his life; so it’s no surprise that even his closest relatives, brothers, and friends are respecting his privacy during this tough decision-making process. For what it’s worth, one of his brothers even suggested that Gronk himself doesn’t know exactly what he wants to do with his NFL future just yet.
He certainly has time to make up his mind one way or another. Realistically, as long as Gronkowski lets the Patriots know of his intentions before free agency kicks off in three weeks, the team should be able to move forward this offseason with the proper strategies in place.
If he leaves, they’ll need to target his replacement through trades, free agent signings, or the draft. If he stays, they still might consider finding his heir apparent – but at least there’s a little less pressure to strike gold immediately with whatever move(s) they make.
According to the NFL Network’s Mike Giardi, Gronkowski might have already revealed his intentions. In the immediate aftermath of the Patriots’ victory over the Rams, Giardi claims that Gronk disclosed to multiple confidants that he planned on returning for another shot at a championship.
Gronkowski told multiple teammates/associates that he wanted to win another ring in the first few days following the Super Bowl. fwiw. Emotion talking? #Patriots https://t.co/ty3Lkt89ub
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) February 19, 2019
On Tuesday, Gronkowski’s agent Drew Rosenhaus appeared on “NFL Live” and confirmed that a decision was forthcoming from his client, probably in “the next couple of weeks.” He wouldn’t go so far as to speculate what that decision would be, but if Giardi is to be believed, then hopefully Pats fans everywhere will be celebrating some good news in the not-so-distant future.
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Provided he’s healthy, happy, and motivated, another year of having Gronk in the fold would be the best offseason news imaginable in New England this spring.