Rob Gronkowski is set to sign a ceremonial one-day contract with the New England Patriots on Wednesday, allowing him to “retire as a Patriot for life.” This heartfelt gesture is in honor of his late friend, Susan Hurley, who passed away earlier this month after battling ovarian cancer.
During his tenure with the Patriots from 2010 to 2018, Gronkowski became a pivotal figure in the team’s success, contributing to three Super Bowl championships and adding another title with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2020-2021 season. His announcement was made during a segment as a Fox Sports analyst, highlighting the significance of this event.
The idea for the ceremonial contract originated from Hurley, a local philanthropist who shared a strong bond with Gronkowski through his charitable endeavors. Gronkowski’s philanthropic spirit was evident when he donated $1.8 million to create a new playground in Boston this past August, which he stated was inspired by Hurley. During that reveal, she suggested the idea of him signing a one-day contract as a symbolic gesture of his loyalty to the Patriots.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft supported the expedited signing, initially planned for Gronkowski’s induction into the team’s Hall of Fame next year, affirming it would fulfill a promise to honor his legacy. Gronkowski expressed enthusiasm for the idea, citing Hurley’s influence as a key motivator.
Having made Foxborough his home, Gronkowski is celebrated not only for his remarkable athletic accomplishments, including 621 receptions, 9,286 receiving yards, and 92 touchdowns during his regular-season career, but also for his remarkable postseason performance with 93 catches for 1,389 yards and 15 touchdowns in 22 games.
This ceremonial signing serves as a poignant tribute to Hurley, celebrating both her impact on Gronkowski’s life and the enduring legacy of one of the game’s greats as he officially retires in the colors of the team that shaped his career. Such moments remind fans and players alike of the bonds formed within the sport, transcending the field and creating lasting connections in the community.