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New England Patriots star tight end and former Arizona Wildcat Rob Gronkowski announced his retirement from football in an Instagram post on Sunday.
A five-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time Super Bowl champion, Gronkowski was one of the most dominant tight ends in the NFL since he was drafted by the Patriots in the second round in 2010.
Nevertheless, injuries have often plagued his career. He won the 2014 Comeback Player of the Year award after tearing his ACL and MCL the season prior.
This season, though, Gronkowski’s ability to dominate on the field diminished. He averaged just 52.5 yards receiving per game and hauled in three touchdowns. Gronkowski had previously mentioned the possibility of retirement after Super Bowl LII.
Still, the former Arizona standout tight end showed the entire NFL community how much of a difference he was on the field in his final two games.
In the AFC Championship against the Kansas City Chiefs then in the Super Bowl against the Los Angeles Rams, Gronkowski had six catches in both contests and combined for 176 yards.
It was his 29-yard catch in the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl that set up the game’s only touchdown.
Gronkowski played two seasons at Arizona — he missed his 2010 junior season due to back surgery — and established himself as one of the best tight ends in the country. From 2008-09, he combined for 1,197 yards receiving on 75 catches with 16 touchdowns.
Gronkowski leaves behind a sport he dominated. He leaves the NFL with the most receiving yards per game (68.4) by a tight end in league history as well as the most receptions (81), receiving yards (1,163) and receiving touchdowns (12) by a tight end in playoff history.
He’s also the all-time leader in touchdowns scored in Patriots history.
What’s next? Perhaps a career in Hollywood:
My understanding is Gronk had already signed or agreed to a deal with a film/TV company prior to the Super Bowl. #Patriots
— Michael Giardi (@MikeGiardi) March 24, 2019