BOSTON — It's been no secret that Gronk has been toying with the idea of retirement, but now that we know it's official, lots of fans are wondering who’s going to fill the void in the Patriots' offense.
PREVIOUS: Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski retires after nine seasons in the NFL
"I am so sad," said Mara Strickland, a fan of the reigning Super Bowl Champions. "I am so upset about it!"
GRONK: Thank you!!! You’re a legend on and off the field. I wish you well in your retirement. @RobGronkowski defined beast mode. What an awesome career.
— Kerry Kavanaugh (@KerryKavanaugh) March 24, 2019
It's the confirmation after months of speculation. Rob Gronkowski's incredible mark on the Patriots franchise in his nine seasons and three Super Bowl titles are offering some consolation to fans who are sad to hear he won’t be returning.
"He added some excitement to a team that otherwise was boring at times," said Joe Malkin. "Sure, we were winning all the time, we're going 14-2, 13-3, 12-4 every year, but he added a story line that was exciting."
even though expected. Still hard to believe
— Butch Stearns (@ButchStearns) March 24, 2019
Bill Belichick called Gronkowski one of the best, most complete tight ends to ever play.
"His production spoke for itself, but his daily attitude, unmistakably positive energy wherever he went and toward whoever he touched will never be forgotten," said Belichick in a statement.
"We're losing one of our best players ever in our history – at least in my lifetime," said Michael Johnson of the tight end.
It’s official, @RobGronkowski is retiring. Can’t say I’m shocked given his lengthy list of injuries. He’s smarter than most in his position and while I’ll miss his Hall of Fame worthy play on the field, I’ll be comfortable with his decision to leave the game on his own terms.
— Mark Ockerbloom (@ocktalks) March 24, 2019
Robert Kraft got a call from Gronk early Sunday before the retirement was announced to the world on Instagram. Kraft said he’s never seen the fan favorite have a bad day.
Related: Tom Brady reacts as Rob Gronkowski announces retirement from NFL
"As great of a player as he was, he is an even better person and ambassador of the game," said the Patriots owner in a statement. "While Patriots fans are certainly going to miss seeing him play, he will be a Patriot for life."
"What a thing to be a football player and play for 10 years and never have to work a day in your life after that," said Ellen Northrup.
What a career...thank you for everything, Gronk! @boston25 https://t.co/RftmJ2AV0J pic.twitter.com/aziiZc6VUl
— Austin Bumpus (@AustinBumpus) March 24, 2019
"I'm confident that the Patriots, with the couple picks that we have, are going to pick someone else," added Brian Posadas. "We'll adjust."
"Going out as one of the best tight ends in NFL history, and that’s all we can ask for as Patriots fans," Malkin said.
>>>MORE: Rob Gronkowski's teammates, others throughout NFL react to retirement news
Kraft went on to say he looks forward to honoring Gronk in the near future as both a Patriots and Pro Football Hall of Famer.
.@RobGronkowski THANK YOU GRONK!!!!!!!
— Jessica Reyes (@jessicamreyes) March 24, 2019
Gronk was set to enter the final year of his contract in the 2019-2020 season, which would have paid him up to $10 million.
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