Rob Gronkowski made a triumphant return to New England on Wednesday, marking a significant moment for Patriots fans as he officially retired as a Patriot. The legendary tight end had announced his intention to sign a one-day contract with the team during the Fox Pregame Show, sharing the news on social media alongside former teammate Julian Edelman.
The ceremony took place at Gillette Stadium, commencing around 12:15 p.m. Patriots owner Robert Kraft expressed his affection for Gronkowski, stating, “Like fans everywhere, I personally love Gronk, and I treasure the unforgettable moments we shared.” Kraft praised Gronkowski’s unmatched personality and performance on the field, emphasizing that he deserves a place in the Patriots Hall of Fame next year. He humorously suggested a “two-day contract” in light of the upcoming game against the Jets, to which Gronkowski playfully asked about a signing bonus.
Reflecting on his career, Gronkowski said, “This means a lot to me — big time. I’m a New England Patriot, I’m a Patriot for life. My career started here, it had to end here, no doubt.” He described returning to Gillette Stadium as “a blessing and an honor,” reminiscing about the multitude of memories from his time with the team.
In addition to the retirement ceremony, Gronkowski announced he will serve as the “Keeper of the Light” for Thursday night’s game against the Jets, where he will also introduce the halftime performer, LOCASH.
During his nine seasons with the Patriots, Gronkowski was instrumental in the team’s three Super Bowl victories before initially retiring in March 2019. He returned to the NFL shortly thereafter to join Tom Brady in Tampa, where he claimed his fourth Super Bowl title in 2021 before retiring again in 2022.
Earlier this year, Gronkowski had also been back in Boston for the dedication of a playground named in his honor, a project supported by his late friend and philanthropist Susan Hurley, who expressed a wish to see him retire as a Patriot. The playground, featuring football-themed equipment and elements representing Boston, was funded by a substantial donation Gronkowski made to give back to the community.
Gronkowski’s retirement as a Patriot not only brings closure to his illustrious career but also reaffirms his lasting legacy in New England, a sentiment echoed by both fans and team officials alike.