Rob Gronkowski ends retirement talk with Patriots optimism
The Rob Gronkowski “retirement” tour is over.
Gronkowski announced in an Instagram post Tuesday night that he will return to the Patriots for the 2018 season after meeting with coach Bill Belichick. The star tight end had been mulling leaving the game since the Patriots lost to the Eagles in Super Bowl LII in February.
“I met with coach today and informed him I will be back for the 2018 season with the Pats,” Gronkowski wrote. “I have been working out, staying in shape and feel great. Looking forward to another championship run.”
Gronkowski had raised concerns recently with his activity off the field, while missing the Patriots’ first set of voluntary offseason workouts and considering whether he would return at all. He was spotted last week hanging out with his old model girlfriend, Camille Kostek, and was quoted on Monday joking about having his “dirt-biking skills to work on” away from football.
The career Patriot sparked the possibility after catching two touchdowns in the Super Bowl defeat.
“I’ll sit down in the next couple of weeks and see where I’m at,” Gronkowski said after the game, which he played in despite suffering a concussion in the AFC Championship game weeks before. He has dealt with numerous head injuries throughout his eight-year pro career.
Having the 28-year-old Gronkowski back is music to the ears of Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady, who will have his favorite target, the 6-foot-6, five-time Pro Bowler, to throw to again. Gronkowski racked up 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns during the regular season, leading all Patriots receivers in both categories.