The uncertainty surrounding Rob Gronkowski‘s career may be on the verge of being tabled. The All-Pro tight end is more likely to play in 2018 than retire shy of his 29th birthday, Jeff Darlington of ESPN.com reports.
Although Gronkowski has not yet made an official decision, Darlington reports he is “pretty certain” to return as long as Tom Brady is still with the Patriots. Despite nearing his 41st birthday, Brady is not believed to be considering retirement. That would point the two Patriots icons toward a ninth season together.
While Gronkowski and Brady appear to still be in lockstep, the four-time first-team All-Pro and Bill Belichick may not be. Gronk is frustrated with Belichick and some others in the Patriots organization, Darlington reports. The punishment the injury-prone player absorbed last season isn’t the only thing pushing him toward a possible early NFL exit, with Darlington also reporting part of the Patriots’ ways are wearing on their top weapon. With nothing occurring since the conclusion of last season indicating the “high-strung” culture will change, Gronkowski is factoring the mental component into his decision, per Darlington.
Belichick has also expressed frustration about Gronkowski, per Darlington, questioning whether the tight end is “all in” at this juncture. Although, sources close to both parties informed the ESPN reporter these differences aren’t believed to be irreconcilable.
NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reported in February that Gronk was likely to return for his age-29 season, but talk about the superstar tight end’s future has swirled since he expressed uncertainty his career would continue after Super Bowl LII. Darlington reports Gronk was having thoughts of walking away late during the 2017 regular season.
The Patriot with the second-most first-team All-Pro honors, behind Hall of Famer John Hannah, Gronkowski remains attached to a contract he signed in 2012. A return to the gridiron next season stands to come on a $10.9MM cap number. Gronk maxed out his incentive-laden 2017 salary by earning that fourth All-Pro nod. Two years remain on the deal.
Gronkowski caught 69 passes for 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns, surmounting yet another significant injury to reclaim his status as the league’s best tight end. He caught two TDs in New England’s Super Bowl loss but was knocked out of the AFC title game because of a concussion.
Hollywood and WWE interest has come his way, and it’s clear the gregarious performer will have options once his career concludes. While it’s uncertain if he’ll venture elsewhere prior to this season, it’s increasingly looking like there will be a ninth NFL campaign for Gronk.
I thought this said “retiring” and had a mini heart attack
God please dont go to the WWE. While i do think you are an amazing player, i don’t see him working out in the WWE. Dont retire because when healthy you’re pretty unstoppable
So Corner or TE 1st round? Hurst possibly will be there.
God if Tom was mad with pats he could really stick it to them not only would they lose him and Gronk but they also gave up the future for nothing that god he’s not like most players he is loyal to them gotta love that
You media types, are just trying to make stuff to write about! You people are truly pathetic!!! You can wish the Patriots and all their greatness away all you want. They are going no where! You can just sit back and watch the classiest organization in sports do what they do, dominate!
The word you’re looking for is “dishonest” not “classiest.”
The patriots are widely regarded as the cheaters. They are the least classy organization in the league. You may want to look up the definition of classy.
Uh, they may be one of the best organizations in the league, but classy is the furthest thing from what they are. Classless: here’s a few examples…Spygate, Deflategate, (don’t tell me everyone does it or anything about psi’s, they got caught cheating, period), Kraft admitting to Deflategate by paying the $1 m & giving up draft picks, then getting pissed when Goodell still went after Brady (thought he could buy his way out of Brady’s suspension), McDaniels reversing on an agreed upon offer after meeting with Belichick & Kraft, where Kraft was quoted, “I love sticking it to that city & team every chance I get.”
Yeah, real classy organization. The media by the way loves the Patriots. ESPN is in their back yard & loves them. They are close to NY & in Boston so those markets eat them up. But don’t worry, you said everyone can’t wait for their demise, it’s coming. Nearing 80 yr old owner, almost 70 year old coach, 41 year old QB with no
Replacement. It’s coming fast. NE might be good one more year.