Rob Gronkowski retires from NFL for second time after 11 seasons

Rob Gronkowski is hanging ‘em up — again.

Gronkowski, considered one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, posted on Instagram Tuesday afternoon that he is retiring from football for the second time in his career.

Gronkowski first retired after a nine-year stint in New England due to injuries, but he returned to the league to play alongside Tom Brady in Tampa Bay. Now, after two seasons and a Super Bowl ring with the Buccaneers, Gronkowski is retiring again at 33 years old.

“I want to thank the whole entire first class Buccaneers organization for an amazing ride, trusting me to come back to play and help build a championship team,” Gronkowski wrote. “I will now be going back into my retirement home, walking away from football again with my head held high knowing I gave it everything I had, good or bad, every time I stepped out on the field. The friendships and relationships I have made will last forever, and I appreciate every single one of my teammates and coaches for giving everything they had as well.”

Gronkowski and Brady won three Super Bowls together in New England before the tight end retired after the 2018 season and Brady left after the 2019 campaign. They won another Super Bowl together in Tampa Bay in 2020, with Brady tossing two touchdowns to Gronkowski in a 31-9 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

Gronkowski ends his career with 621 receptions, 9,286 receiving yards and 93 touchdowns in 143 games — making him one of the most prolific tight ends to ever play football. His 93 touchdowns are third most among NFL tight ends, behind only Antonio Gates (116) and Tony Gonzalez (111). He set the NFL record for most receiving touchdowns by a tight end in 2011 with 17.

In 22 career playoff games, Gronkowski caught 98 passes for 1,389 yards and 15 touchdowns. He was voted as a first-team All-Pro in 2011, 2014, 2015 and 2017 on top of making five Pro Bowls.