NFL Legend Rob Gronkowski Makes Big Football Career Move

By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on November 10, 2025 at 2:15 PM EST

Rob Gronkowski during Texans vs Buccaneers
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It's the end of an era in the NFL as Rob Gronkowski is officially retiring, once and for all, and he's doing it where it all began. The four-time Super Bowl champion and future Hall of Famer is set to sign a one-day contract with the New England Patriots to close the book on one of the most dominant and entertaining careers in football history. After years of teasing fans with possible comebacks, the 35-year-old tight end is making his retirement official, ensuring he rides off into the sunset as a Patriot for life. Over the course of his 11-season career, Rob Gronkowski amassed jaw-dropping stats, 621 receptions, 9,286 yards, and 92 touchdowns, redefining what it meant to play the tight end position.

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Rob Gronkowski Officially Retires As A New England Patriot, Capping Off Legendary NFL Career

Rob Gronkowski during Texans vs Buccaneers
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The New England Patriots confirmed the news Monday morning, celebrating the superstar's decision to officially end his career with the franchise that drafted him in 2010. "The greatest tight end in @NFL history is retiring a Patriot! Watch @RobGronkowski sign his one-day contract this Wednesday at 12:15 PM LIVE on Patriots digital & social," the team announced.

Gronkowski's blend of athleticism, charisma, and game-changing talent helped usher in a new era of offensive dominance in the NFL. From his explosive partnership with Tom Brady to his larger-than-life personality off the field, Gronk became one of the league's most beloved and recognizable figures.

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Fans React To Gronk's Retirement

Rob Gronkowski at Spirited New York Premiere
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As news of Rob Gronkowski's official retirement hit social media, fans wasted no time flooding X (formerly Twitter) with reactions. One user joked, "Gronk retiring (again) just to unretire when Brady texts' one last ride?'" Others took a more sentimental tone, with DraftKings Sportsbook declaring, "Greatest tight end of all-time and it isn't close."

Meanwhile, several fans wondered about the logistics of his ceremonial contract, with one asking, "So will this delay his HOF eligibility?" Another clarified, "This is the right move and since it is considered 'ceremonial,' it will not extend his HOF eligibility date."

Of course, Gronk's trademark sense of fun wasn't lost on the internet. One post summed it up perfectly, asking, "Can he spike the pen after signing it?"

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What Rob Gronkowski Has Been Up To Since Leaving The Field

Rob Gronkowski at Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Launch
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Since stepping away from the NFL in 2021, Rob Gronkowski hasn't exactly slowed down. In fact, he's just traded touchdowns for TV time, brand deals, and a whole lot of fun.

The four-time Super Bowl champ has become a fixture in sports media, frequently appearing as an NFL analyst on FOX Sports, where his humor and unfiltered takes have made him a fan favorite all over again. He's also stayed close to the game through his appearances at major football events, including the Super Bowl and NFL Draft, where he continues to embody the "work hard, play harder" energy that defined his career.

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Gronkowski Builds Post-NFL Empire With Major Brand Deals And Philanthropy Work

Rob Gronkowski seen at ABC's 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'
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Off the field, Gronk has built a thriving post-football empire. He's partnered with brands like FanDuel, Monster Energy, and USAA, and even launched his own ventures, including fitness and CBD lines.

He's also been active in philanthropy through the Gronk Nation Youth Foundation, which supports health, education, and sports programs for underprivileged kids.

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Rob Gronkowski Reflects On The Challenge Of Building A Dynasty

Rob Gronkowski at Warner Music Group Pre-Grammy Party 2020
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Ahead of last year's Super Bowl, Rob Gronkowski opened up about just how grueling it is to sustain championship-level success in the NFL, something he knows better than almost anyone.

Despite capturing four Super Bowl rings over his legendary career, three with the New England Patriots and one with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Gronk never won titles in back-to-back seasons. Speaking with "TODAY" while promoting his partnership with Bounty, the former tight end explained just how monumental an achievement a championship truly is.

"How difficult it is to win three championships, let alone one championship? You're going against the best of the best every single week, week in and week out," Gronk said at the time. "And just to win one championship takes so much time and commitment and dedication, let alone to win three, it's just amazing."

After more than a decade of bruises, glory, and touchdown spikes, he knows exactly how brutal it is to stay on top in the NFL. These days, he may have swapped his helmet for TV lights and brand deals, but his love for the game, and for the players still chasing that Lombardi, runs deeper than ever.

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