While news of New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski's reported mulling over retirement may have come after his team's Super Bowl loss, apparently it's something he's been considering for some time, according to ESPN's Jeff Darlington.
Videos by FanBuzz
As we wonder what Gronk’s future holds, I can at least tell you this: He was thinking about this before the Super Bowl loss and the concussion.
It makes sense why many think it’s a leverage play, but I sense it’s more serious than that.
Full discussion: https://t.co/V7qOKH9AAC
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) February 9, 2018
"This was not an emotional situation where this is the first time that he's considered retirement," Darlington said. "In fact, it's not just having to do with the AFC Championship game, but in fact weeks before that Gronkowski was telling people around him that the toll on his body was making him lean toward the potential that this was his last season. This is a very serious thing for Gronkowski at this point. He will certainly continue to contemplate retirement, it's not a done deal by any means. But this is not something that is simply an emotional loss to the Super Bowl, nor is it an emotional response to the concussion. This is something that Gronkowski was considering long before both of those instances long before the 2017 season."
On Sunday, Gronkowski added himself to the list of uncertain futures when asked about rumors that he was contemplating retirement this offseason during his Super Bowl postgame press conference.
Rob Gronkowski said he was going to reflect on his future when asked if he’s considering retiring.
He wouldn’t commit to returning in 2018. pic.twitter.com/ApdZKKMqyM
— Henry McKenna (@henrycmckenna) February 5, 2018
Gronkowski caught nine passes for 116 yards and two touchdowns in the loss.
At just 28 years old, Gronkwoski has already solidified himself among the greatest tight ends in NFL history with two Super Bowl championships, five Pro Bowl appearances and more than 7,000 yards and 76 touchdowns during his career.
However, the eight-year pro has battled a plethora of significant injuries including concussions, back fractures, forearm fractures, an ACL tear and much more. There has also been reports that several Hollywood actors, including Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Sylvester Stallone, have attempted to talk Gronkowski into an acting career.
We'll have to see what Gronkowski's decision ultimately is this offseason.
