TAMPA, FL (SNN-TV) – Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski is again calling it a career. The 33-year old announced his retirement Tuesday via social media.
Gronkowski had previously retired after the 2018 season with the New England Patriots because of injuries. The 2010 second-round draft pick out of Arizona largely credits Brady for setting the expectations for his career, and it was Brady who summoned him out of retirement in 2020 to play for the Bucs.
Gronkowski is the second key member of the Buccaneers’ offense to retire this year, following guard Ali Marpet, who retired in February. Brady himself announced his retirement in February only to unretire 40 days later.
Without Gronkowski, the Buccaneers’ depth chart at tight end for next season includes veteran Cameron Brate, 2022 draft picks Cade Otton (fourth round) and Ko Kieft (sixth round) and Codey McElroy.
Gronkowski won four Super Bowls — three with the Patriots (XLIX, LI, LIII) and one with the Buccaneers (LV) in 2020.
Gronkowski was named a first-team All-Pro in 2011, 2014, 2015 and 2017, and was picked to five Pro Bowls (2011, ’12, ’14, ’15 and ’17). He led the NFL in receiving touchdowns in 2011 and was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2014. He was named to the NFL’s 2010s All-Decade Team and its 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.
He leaves the game with the most career touchdowns by a tight end in postseason history (15) — and the second most at any position behind only receiver Jerry Rice (22). He also has the most 100-yard games by a tight end in NFL history and the most total TDs in a single season by a tight end in league history (18 in 2011).
Gronkowski’s 92 total career touchdowns are 12th most in NFL history and third most at the tight end position behind Antonio Gates (116) and Tony Gonzalez (111). He was the only tight end in NFL history to post three seasons of 1,000 yards receiving and 10-plus touchdowns (2011, ’14, ’15).