FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Rob Gronkowski plans to signal a ceremonial one-day contract with the New England Patriots on Wednesday so he can “retire as a Patriot for all times,” fulfilling the want of an in depth buddy who died of most cancers earlier this month.
Gronkowski, who performed for the Patriots from 2010 to 2018 and was a part of three Tremendous Bowl championship groups earlier than ending his profession and profitable one other Tremendous Bowl title with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020-2021, made the announcement Sunday as a part of his work as a Fox Sports activities analyst.
The best tight finish in @NFL historical past is retiring a Patriot!
Watch @RobGronkowski signal his one-day contract this Wednesday at 12:15 PM LIVE on Patriots digital & social. pic.twitter.com/fXOwNHDtFq
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) November 10, 2025
The ceremonial contract was steered by native philanthropist Susan Hurley, with whom Gronkowski developed an in depth friendship via his in depth charity work in New England. In August, when Gronkowski unveiled a brand new playground in Boston to which he donated $1.8 million, he mentioned it was impressed by Hurley. On that day, Hurley requested, “Can we simply make it official and signal him for a day so he can retire as a Patriot?”
Proprietor Robert Kraft — who had already deliberate to take action when Gronkowski was eligible for induction into the staff Corridor of Fame subsequent 12 months — endorsed the concept of expediting it and Gronkowski mentioned: “I like that lots, and the rationale that we’re actually going to do this is due to Susan Hurley.”
Hurley misplaced a brave battle with ovarian most cancers on Nov. 1. She was 62.
Gronkowski nonetheless calls Foxborough, Massachusetts, the place the Patriots play their dwelling video games, his dwelling.
A member of the NFL’s a centesimal Anniversary All-Time Crew, he’s seen as one of many biggest tight ends within the historical past of the NFL due to his effectiveness as each a blocker and cross catcher. In 11 common seasons, he totaled 621 receptions for 9,286 yards and 92 touchdowns. He saved a few of his greatest work for the playoffs, enjoying in 22 video games and amassing 93 catches for 1,389 yards and 15 touchdowns.