Patriots Rumors: Will Rob Gronkowski Retire After This Season?

As the New England Patriots look to punch their tickets to their third consecutive Super Bowl, the NFL’s current dynasty is facing questions about one of its best players. Star tight end Rob Gronkowski mulled retirement last offseason and he will likely do the same again once the Patriots’ playoff run ends, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported on Sunday.

Gronkowski considered hanging up his cleats last year but ultimately chose to come back and keep playing for New England. According to Rapoport’s sources, the 29-year-old tight end could make the opposite decision this year, following a season marred by injuries that have limited him to a meager statistical output.

In 11 games in 2018, Gronkowski caught just 47 passes for 682 yards and three touchdowns. He had a record-breaking campaign in 2011, but he has eclipsed 1,000 yards in just three of the ensuing seven seasons. He has not started all 16 games in a season since 2011.

There have been rumblings that the Patriots might be done with Gronkowski, too. Last offseason, reports indicated Bill Belichick tried to trade the tight end to the Detroit Lions, but no deal ultimately came to fruition. Gronkowski has said he does not want to play with anyone but Tom Brady.

If he retires after this season, Gronkowski will have a solid case for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He is considered one of the best tight ends of all time and participated in three Super Bowls, winning one of them. He has the third-most touchdown receptions by a tight end in NFL history.