'One of the best to ever do it': NFL reacts to Rob Gronkowski's retirement
Likely first-ballot Hall of Famer Rob Gronkowski announced his retirement from the NFL Sunday after nine seasons.
The beloved star’s move is drawing mixed reactions, from fans’ sadness, to well-deserved congratulations from his peers around the NFL.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft and head coach Bill Belichick quickly issued statements on Gronk’s decision, calling him a great teammate, hard worker and a “Patriot for life.”
Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best reactions.
Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick
Patriots’ owner Robert Kraft and HC Bill Belichick on Rob Gronkowski: pic.twitter.com/R6QRkpLMwj
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 25, 2019
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady
Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman
The other goat 🐐 #gronk pic.twitter.com/FzCfT38BjR
— Julian Edelman (@Edelman11) March 24, 2019
Houston Texans defensive end JJ Watt
Congrats on an incredible career @RobGronkowski. One of the best to ever do it. Best wishes on whatever comes next!
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) March 24, 2019
New York Jets running back Le’Veon Bell
thank youu for the amazing moments @RobGronkowski 🐐💯
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) March 24, 2019
Retired quarterback Dan Orlovsky
Man Gronk changed the game. Respectfully, there is no Kelce/Ertz/Graham/Olson types without Gronk... https://t.co/oeHUrvZ4Hf
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) March 24, 2019
Carolina Panthers defensive end Bruce Irvin
@RobGronkowski congrats to one of the best to ever do it! So dope to see you go out on your time. Good luck on ur continued success brother! Ps u never gave me that fade back from the super bowl! 😂🤷🏾♂️
— Bruce Irvin (@BIrvin_WVU11) March 24, 2019
Retired wide receiver Cris Carter
Happy retirement big fella @RobGronkowski , one of the best ever TE’s
— Cris Carter (@criscarter80) March 24, 2019
Chicago Bears offensive lineman Kyle Long
Gronk one of the most dominant players to put on a helmet. Amazing career.
— Kyle Long (@Ky1eLong) March 24, 2019
New England Patriots linebacker Kyle Van Noy
My guy!!! @RobGronkowski Robbbbyyyyyy Ggggggg! Much love homie! I’m happy that you get to leave the game on your own terms. You are the Best TE ever to play the game! Can’t wait to see what you do next..... #RobbyGradio #GOAT
— Kyle Van Noy (@KVN_03) March 24, 2019
Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen
For the past 9 years, after each week, one of the first guys reception targets I would go watch was @RobGronkowski. Some stuff I would steal, other stuff only he could do. Incredible career and enjoy what’s next. See you in canton
👊🏻— Greg Olsen (@gregolsen88) March 24, 2019
Retired wide receiver Andrew Hawkins
Congrats on an Incredible career to one of the many athletes my son liked more than me @RobGronkowski pic.twitter.com/KYtbgljwWm
— Andrew Hawkins (@Hawk) March 25, 2019
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