New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will reportedly strongly consider retirement at the end of the season, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Gronkowski contemplated hanging up his cleats after last season’s Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He eventually decided to commit to playing one more season. However, Rapoport notes that some people close to Gronk believe he will go the opposite way this offseason.
The 29-year-old Gronkowski has been blighted by back and ankle injuries this season, which has played a significant part in his dramatically reduced production. He had just 47 catches for 682 yards with three touchdowns — tying a career-low — in 13 games this season.
This major dropoff comes just after he had another First-Team All-Pro season in 2017 as he had 69 catches for 1,084 yards and eight TDs in 14 games.
With both Gronkowski and Tom Brady slowing down a bit this season, the Patriots’ passing offense hasn’t nearly been as prolific as in past years. And if Gronk does decide to call it quits, the Pats will need to replace one of the most dominant players ever at the position.
Considering his struggles this season and the fact that he also thought long and hard about it last year, it won’t be too surprising if Gronk does finally decide to retire after this season. The wear and tear of football has just taken its toll on his body and nobody would blame him if he chose to call it a career after nearly a decade in the league.
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