Retired New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is officially not eligible to play during the 2019 NFL season, per ESPN's Adam Schefter, with the deadline for reserved players to return before Week 13 having passed.
It was expected, now official: Rob Gronkowski cannot return in 2019. His deadline to return this season was 4pm ET Saturday, the last business day prior to a Week 13 game for reinstatement for players on reserve list. Gronkowski will be eligible to return again after Super Bowl.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 2, 2019
Gronkowski, 30, helped the Patriots win three Super Bowls during his tenure with New England and announced his decision to retire in March earlier this year, citing multiple physical injuries preventing him from feeling healthy. The five-time Pro-Bowler and former Comeback Player of the Year had circulated speculation he could return to the game—possibly for his ex-team Patriots—when he announced a partnership with a Cannabidiol company and advocating for the proliferation of CBD to help alleviate pain felt by NFL players. However, the former Patriots second-round pick from the 2010 draft noted he would not return unless he could legally use CBD while playing football, as the NFL has it as a banned substance.
At the moment living in retirement, Gronkowski's career includes 521 receptions for nearly 8,000 receiving yards and 79 touchdowns in 115 regular-season games this decade. “Gronk” was selected to four All-Pro first teams.
Gronkowski shot down rumors he would return last week but did not rule out a comeback.
“I wouldn’t say ‘never coming back,'” said Gronk, via Complex. “I’m 30 years old. I’m young. I still stay fit, still watch the game whenever I can, still enjoy it. I’m feeling good, but you know, one year off could possibly be the case. Or maybe two years off, man,” Gronk said. “It’s always an option in the back of my head. It’s not like I’m not staying in shape and not doing anything. I’m never stressed over it.”
For the time being, however, Gronkowski will not play in 2019 or in the postseason.
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