Rob Gronkowski has shaped an era in the NFL. Now, after eleven seasons and a first retirement with a comeback, it is indeed the end for Gronk, who did not only cause a stir on the field. After the end of his career, Gronk’s buddy Tom Brady has already spoken out about his long-time colleague on social media.

Munich – He was a champion – on and off the court. He won more than almost anyone else. And he was the one who always put a smile on the faces of many fans all over the world and especially in Germany with his unique style.

Now Rob Gronkowski has ended his NFL career at the age of 33. “Gronk”, as everyone just called him, was one of the faces of the NFL. You only have to look at the accomplishments of the – now former – tight end to know what a career he had.

Gronk and Brady: The start of a bromance

When Gronkowski was drafted by the New England Patriots in 2010, it didn’t look like this was going to be his hammer career. After all, the 1.98-metre US American was selected by the Patriots 42nd in the second round of the NFL draft. So Gronkowski was by no means one of the top picks – though that was also related to injury concerns in college. Nevertheless, Gronk played his way into New England’s starting lineup in his first year as a rookie under head coach Bill Belichick.

One thing was already apparent at the time: the connection between the tight end and then-quarterback Tom Brady. Gronkowski really delivered in his first season: 42 receptions for 546 yards and a total of ten touchdowns. The tight end made a name for himself in the league. Just one year later, Gronk also set a new NFL record: 17 touchdowns caught as a tight end – something that had never been done before.

Gronk’s first Super Bowl ring

This performance also earned him his first Pro Bowl selection, and quite rightly so – he would later go on to make four more Pro Bowl appearances – also being named First Team All-Pro five times. Subsequently, Gronkowski remained consistent, but then suffered a torn cruciate ligament in 2013. But the tight end proved his incredible willpower even then. He came back in the 2014 season, delivered straight away and won his first Super Bowl with the New England Patriots against the Seattle Seahawks.

It was the first of four Super Bowl victories, all of which, incidentally, Gronk won alongside Tom Brady. Just like in 2016, when the 33-year-old was allowed to accept his second Super Bowl ring, but this time had to watch the final game against the Atlanta Falcons from the stands. Gronkowski had long had serious knee and back problems and played only a few games for New England this season.

Injury misfortune also haunted him in the NFL – but Gronk always fought his way back. Despite his nature as a jokester, Gronkowski was also someone who always worked hard when it mattered.

First Gronk retirement and NFL comeback

Then Gronk was allowed to hoist the Vince Lombardy Trophy for the third time in 2019 after his Super Bowl triumph against the Los Angeles Rams. But as much as Patriots fans and player Rob Gronkowski were still busy celebrating the success, Gronk himself announced his early career end two months later. The fan favourite was struggling too much with his injuries. The grief in the NFL was great, but one thing was clear to everyone: Gronkowski had shaped an era in the NFL with the New England Patriots.

Then, a good year later, came the great relief for all supporters: Gronk announced that he wanted to start again in the NFL. However, his congenial partner Brady had already been traded from the Patriots to Tampa Bay and the Buccaneers. No problem for Gronkowski, he did the same for his buddy and signed a contract in Florida. So the dream team was reunited.

Brady-Gronk bromance continues in Florida

And as befits the best “bromance” in the NFL, the two delivered, just like the old days. The two men of advanced football age came to the Buccaneers in an unfamiliar environment and still cleared one opponent after the other out of the way. The end of the story: their fourth Super Bowl title together – only this time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

It was more or less clear that Gronkowski had come back to the NFL and then to the Buccaneers primarily for Brady. After all, the two not only delivered together in the NFL (best quarterback/receiver duo in Super Bowl history with 14 touchdowns), but were also really good friends in “real” life. But the return was not only good for Brady. Gronkowski’s comeback was an enrichment for the NFL at all times – whether on or off the field.

Number 87 with the “Gronk Spike “

On the field, he perfected the tight end position. Number 87 could block like an offensive lineman and catch passes like a top wide receiver. Gronk is without question one of the best tight ends to ever play in the NFL. Off the field, the five-time Pro Bowler has been bought into one thing above all else: His open, honest and infectious nature.

Gronk was never afraid to have fun, always had a smile on his face and brought many positive moments to the NFL. His cheer after a touchdown, the so-called “Gronk Spike” will remain in the memory of every NFL fan for a long time. In addition, the 33-year-old also became a TV and internet icon through various commercials and videos. In the social media, Gronk also provided a joke again and again, for example when he talked to Brady on Twitter.

Brady on Gronk: “You deserved it “

The latter has already spoken out on Instagram in a statement following Gronk’s retirement. “Teammate, friend, brother. Just a few words that pop into my head when I think of Gronk. […] No one has embodied “giving it his all” more than this man. But more importantly, what he was like as a person off the pitch. Focused when he needed to be and the rest of the time he was pure fun. Having Gronk in the booth was every NFL player’s dream. […] I’m proud of what we accomplished together and I’m excited to see what’s to come. Congratulations Gronk, you deserve it.”

Now it’s time to say goodbye to one of the best NFL players in history. An icon of this game – on and off the field. We say thank you Rob Gronkowski! For a unique and extremely successful career. And we all hope that he will continue to provide us with his special style and funny moments. And here’s to continuing the best “bromance” in the NFL.