Rob Gronkowski Announces His Decision To Return To The New England Patriots Next Season

Getty Image

The New England Patriots‘ strange offseason saw one storyline reach its conclusion on Tuesday evening. The team had been in a state of limbo with the future of star tight end Rob Gronkowski, who had not confirmed whether he’d play next season or decide to retire from the NFL.

There were indications that WWE might be interested in acquiring his services if he called it a career, but if his future is indeed in professional wrestling, Vince McMahon will have to wait. Gronkowski announced on Instagram that he will indeed suit up for the Patriots next year, saying that he informed the team and Bill Belichick on Tuesday of his decision.

Adam Schefter of ESPN added some more details, saying that Gronkowski was joined by his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, and that the team won’t pursue a trade for the tight end.

Gronkowski is only 28, and next year will be his ninth year in the NFL, although he’s notably dealt with injuries for basically his entire career. His body has taken quite the beating over the years, which is why retiring at such a young age makes sense, but Gronkowski is prepared to give it at least one more go.

The news of Gronkowski returning next year comes one day after the news that the horse named after him was pulled from the Kentucky Derby due to an illness. There’s no word on whether that had any impact on Gronkowski’s decision to return, but I really hope it did. Also, there’s still no word on whether Tom Brady will eventually return to the Patriots next year.

×