Following the disappointing loss in Super Bowl LII, New England Patriots All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski voiced uncertainty concerning his NFL future.
Gronkowski said he will take a couple of weeks to talk to his teammates and family before making a decision. According to Bill Burt of the Eagles-Tribune, the 28-year-old is believed to be weighing the idea of acting if he were to step away from the game.
Patriots “All-World” tight end Rob Gronkowski is considering retirement to pursue a career in acting, according to a source.
Gronkowski, nicknamed “Gronk,” has been told by two Hollywood superstars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Sylvester Stallone, that he could make millions of dollars in action films.
This possible scenario was possibly weighing on Gronkowski's head when he was asked about his future in the NFL on Sunday night. Of course, it should be taken into consideration that his emotions were at a high point after losing the Super Bowl. There wasn't much time for him to truly assess what just happened on the field and get himself into a clear state of mind to think about the future.
Gronkowski is still under contract through the 2019 season, as he still has two years left on his six-year, $54 million extension with $19 million left in both base salary and bonuses. He is coming off yet another highly productive campaign where he led the team with 69 receptions (69), 1,084 receiving yards (1,084), and eight touchdowns while earning a Pro Bowl selection and a First-Team All-Pro nod.
Gronkowski was a major factor in the passing game throughout the playoffs, highlighted by a huge performance in the Super Bowl where he recorded nine catches for 119 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns. This could lead to Gronkowski and the Patriots working out a more lucrative deal, as he is the fourth highest paid tight end in the NFL behind the Seattle Seahawks' Jimmy Graham ($10 million), Kansas City Chiefs' Travis Kelce ($9.36 million), and the Washington Redskins' Jordan Reed ($9.35 million).
Ultimately, much more clarity on Gronkowki's NFL future should come over the next few weeks.