Five-time Pro Bowler Rob Gronkowski announced Tuesday (on Instagram) that he’ll be returning to the Patriots for the 2018 season after sitting down with Patriots coach Bill Belichick.
“I met with coach today and informed him I will be back for the 2018 season with the Pats,” Gronkowski said in a caption for his post. “I have been working out, staying in shape and feel great. Looking forward to another championship run.
There had been rumors nearly the entire offseason that the four-time All-Pro tight end might call it a career after eight seasons and two Super Bowl titles. The 28-year-old’s decision to not take part in the team’s voluntary workouts this offseason certainly didn’t quell those rumors.
There had been reports that Belichick lashed out at Gronkowski in front of teammates because of his participation at Tom Brady‘s Sports Therapy Center and with Brady’s trainer, Alex Guerrero. Ben Volin of the Boston Globe reported earlier this month that Gronkowski was looking for a raise on his current deal and that the retirement rumors and his decision to not attend the workouts could’ve been him angling for a new contract. Gronkowski is under contract through the 2019 season.
Injuries have also limited Gronkowski of late, as he’s been held to just 22 games over the last two seasons. He hasn’t played a full 16 regular-season games since his sophomore campaign in 2011.
When on the field, though, his play has been unquestioned. He’s hauled in 10-plus touchdowns in five of his eight seasons and already holds several NFL records, including most postseason receiving touchdowns for a tight end (12), the most single-season receiving yards from a tight end (1,327, 2011) and most single-season touchdowns from a tight end (18, 2011).
The Patriots have lost several key pieces of their receiving corps from last year’s Super Bowl run in wide receivers Brandin Cooks and Danny Amendola. They did add wide receiver Jordan Matthews in free agency and also acquired wide receiver/return specialist Cordarrelle Patterson from the Raiders.
This is not news. We all knew he and Brady were both playing. Enough trying to make up Patriots stories
Agreed!!! It’s so annoying
Now that he’s played enough games, hes ready to play? I say trade the immature jerk whole he has value, is tradable now that his status is clear. Brady shouldve been instead of Jimmy G, and now that he and Gronk have thrown shade at Bellichick, dont be surprised if both are.
How many roy winners in any sport don’t pan out? 5 wins and guy gets paid like a super bowl winning qb. I’d personally rather Brady all day then pay grop that money remember how sports are a business and that contract can pending injury or bust fuck sf with so much guaranteed
Yes, it’s clear the Pats attained this successful run of theirs by trading away their all time greats. They obviously have no idea what they’re doing.
guys an ass and pulling the monkey see monkey do act…and instead of being an adult, goes to social media? Trade his ass. Brady will hit the wall and his offseason has been equally annoying as Gronks. Hell, Im a fan and just sick of both of em. Im sure Bellichick is to at this point.
I totally disagree… Brady still has 1-3 years left in him even if he has a bad attitude we aren’t going to give up what many believe to be the Best NFL player of all time.
But I do agree with the Gronk statement, he needs to stop playing games and be serious with football or get of the Patriots.
Who did they get Patterson from? Minnesota? (At the time of this comment it says from the Patriots)
raiders
Thanks
Oakland, I think.