One would think a five-time Pro Bowler, three-time Super Bowl champion and four-time first team all pro who is only 29 years old would be in the heat of their Hall-of-Fame career. However, that is not the case for Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, who has battled countless injuries throughout his career to a point where retirement is more likely than not.
Gronk’s injuries have come with major surgeries to his forearm, back and knees, making him miss 25 games in the past five years. These injuries have taken a real toll on the starting tight end. A former 1300 yard and 17 touchdown receiver, he only put up 700 yards and three touchdowns this season. So, should Gronkowski retire?
It’s a tricky situation. Although Gronkowski isn’t producing great receiving stats, he is one of the best blocking tight ends in the league and has been a main factor to the Patriots’ explosive run game this year. However, it’s known that Gronkowski is not the same player he used to be and with nothing else to prove by already ranking among the best tight ends ever, Gronkowski has no reason to risk his health and legacy by continuing to play. In addition, Gronkowski’s vibrant personality guarantees him a great career in entertainment post-retirement, so money shouldn’t be an issue.
As a Patriots fan, it pains me to say that Gronkowski should retire. He will still have a lasting legacy with the patriots, helping them win multiple super bowls during his career and Gronkowski will still maintain relatively good health if he decides to hang up the boots this offseason.
