Although this shouldn't come as much of a surprise due to his laundry list of injury-related setbacks over the years, we could be nearing the end of the “Gronk” era in the NFL. While we certainly haven't seen the last of the standout pass catcher as an entertainer, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com is now reporting that New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is seriously considering hanging up his cleats following the conclusion of the 2018-19 campaign.
It appears as though Gronkowski could call it quits to pursue a career in acting or professional wrestling as a member of the WWE — though the latter doesn't seem to be the most likely choice at this point.
From @NFLGameDay: As #Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski mulls retirement this offseason, it doesn't sound like the WWE is in his future. Perhaps movies, though. … This is very important news. pic.twitter.com/S4obsWijRv
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 20, 2019
Presumably due to both his success on the field when healthy accompanied by serious injury after serious injury, the longtime Patriots tight end has been contemplating retirement for what seems like an eternity at this point. “Gronk” was reportedly almost traded during last year's offseason and openly considered retiring before the start of the 2018-19 season.
Of course, Gronkowski and the heralded Patriots still have some business to take care of on Sunday evening at Arrowhead Stadium. With freezing cold temperatures currently on the horizon for this year's AFC Championship Game, only the No. 1 seeded Kansas City Chiefs stand in the way of the Patriots reaching yet another Super Bowl. If the Patriots are to do so, Gronkowski will have to contribute in a major way despite the luxuries of the silver screen reportedly looming.