The New England Patriots never ceases to amaze everyone when they make the playoffs year after year.
The last three seasons in a row they’ve made the Super Bowl and they won two out of three.
But the New England Patriots just got a huge shock that puts their Super Bowl hopes in doubt for this upcoming season.
“The New England Patriots are going to the Super Bowl again!” Is enough to make you roll your eyes harder than you would at a monotonous liberal journalist complaining about President Trump. But that’s only if you’re a Patriots fan.
Tom Brady is almost inarguably the greatest quarterback in NFL history. The only argument you could possibly make for any other is Joe Montana because he’s 4-0 in Super Bowls.
But they’ve had position help along the way. Randy Moss and Wes Welker had a lot to do with the Patriots success over the years, but nobody was more valuable to the team than tight end Rob Gronkowski.
Gronkowski might be the best tight end of all time – one could make a valid argument for Tony Gonzalez or even Shannon Sharpe – but he had the greatest nine year stretch, catching 78 touchdowns from Brady in the time period. That’s .69 touchdowns per game. That’s mind blowing.
He wrote this on Instagram, “It all started at 20 years old on stage at the NFL draft when my dream came true, and now here I am about to turn 30 in a few months with a decision I feel is the biggest of my life so far. I will be retiring from the game of football today. I am so grateful for the opportunity that Mr. Kraft and Coach Belichick gave to me when drafting my silliness in 2010.”
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Rob Gronkowski (@gronk) on
Gronkowski has been plagued with injuries over his career and even missed the Super Bowl against the Atlanta Falcons where the Patriots made the greatest comeback of all time when they were down 28-3 with only a few minutes left in the 3rd quarter.
Owner Robert Kraft, who has been embroiled in controversy lately over his alleged sex scandal at a Florida massage parlor, said in a statement of his coveted tight end, “In the nine years that I have known Rob Gronkowski, I have never known him to have a bad day. He always has a youthful exuberance about him and is a joy to be around. As a player, he earned the respect of his coaches and teammates for his hard work, preparation, selfless attitude and the sheer dominance of his game. ‘Gronk’ quickly became a fan favorite and the most dominant player at his position for nearly a decade. I look forward to honoring him in the near future as both a Patriots and Pro Football Hall of Famer. “
It’s rare that an owner would put out a statement of such magnitude for a loyal player like Gronkowski. Usually it ends in malice because teams want to trade players before their careers start to decline.
And the GOAT Tom Brady wrote on Instagram, “What an honor and privilege to play with you these past nine years @gronk! You accomplished so much and our team was almost unbeatable when you were on the field! Your fun-loving, inspiring and positive energy made an impact on everybody you came into contact with!” Brady continued. “Not just that, but for as great as a player you are, you are a better teammate and person. The NFL was a better place with you in it! But I have no doubt you will be a success in anything you do!!! Love you pal!”
There’s no question that Gronk was one of the best position players in the NFL even when his career was sliding just last year.
He’s arguably the best tight end of all time.
Now that he’s retired, you can bet that he’ll keep up his off-the-field party persona that has made him a celebrity even to casual fans.
There’s even rumor that he might turn to WWE now that he’s retired.
Maybe he’ll go to Hollywood.