New England Patriots News: Rob Gronkowski Addresses Retirement Rumors Before Super Bowl

Retirement rumors have clung to New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski since at least last offseason. In the days leading up to his team’s Super Bowl LIII matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, Gronkowski addressed questions about his future.

Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin asked Gronkowski if he would retire at Monday night’s Super Bowl Opening Night event. Gronkowski flatly stated that he does not know what his future holds, and he is just trying to get ready for the game.

“I don’t know, I don’t know,” Gronkowski told Irvin.

Earlier this month, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported that Gronkowski would “seriously consider” retirement after the season. Injuries have plagued Gronkowski throughout his career, limiting him to fewer than 16 starts in every season since 2011. While his production has often been good, he has not matched his record-breaking 2011 campaign in the years since.

Gronkowski only has three 1,000 yard campaigns since 2011. He managed only 47 catches for 682 yards and three touchdowns in 2018, starting only 11 games.

The tight end thought about retiring last year, too, especially after the Patriots considered trading him to the Detroit Lions. If he hung up the cleats after the Super Bowl, he would finish with the third-most touchdown catches by a tight end in NFL history. He would also likely make it into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

While Gronkowski is not sure whether or not he will play in 2019 and beyond, his quarterback had a different answer when asked the same question. In an interview with ESPN’s Jeff Darlington over the weekend, Tom Brady said there was a “zero percent” chance he would retire after Super Bowl LIII.