Tom Brady reacts as Rob Gronkowski announces retirement from NFL

As Rob Gronkowski gets set to head into the world of retirement, his quarterback shared his appreciation for his tight end of nine seasons.

>>MORE: Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski retires after nine seasons in the NFL

Brady took to the comments on Gronkowski's Instagram post announcing his decision, calling Gronk the "G.O.A.T." and showcasing his love for the future Hall of Famer.

Tom Brady, @EzekielElliott and #Gronk’s girlfriend @camillekostek share their love for the #Patriots tight end after he announced his retirement on Instagram @boston25 https://t.co/RftmJ2AV0J pic.twitter.com/p6ouiHai4S
— Austin Bumpus (@AustinBumpus) March 24, 2019

"Love u man!" Brady said before using a fitting emoji of a goat. "Couldn't be a better person or teammate!!!"

TB12 added in a post of his own, saying it was an "honor and privledge to play with you these past nine years."

View this post on Instagram

What an honor and privilege to play with you these past nine years @gronk! You accomplished so much and our team was almost unbeatable when you were on the field! Your fun-loving, inspiring, and positive energy made an impact on everybody you came into contact with! Not just that, but for as great as a player you are, you are a better teammate and person. The NFL was a better place with you in it! But I have no doubt you will be a success in anything you do!!! Love you pal!

A post shared by Tom Brady (@tombrady) on Mar 24, 2019 at 4:01pm PDT

Others took to social media to show their support for Gronkowski, like Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott and Gronkowski's girlfriend, Camille Kostek.

View this post on Instagram

It all started at 20 years old on stage at the NFL draft when my dream came true, and now here I am about to turn 30 in a few months with a decision I feel is the biggest of my life so far. I will be retiring from the game of football today. I am so grateful for the opportunity that Mr. Kraft and Coach Belichick gave to me when drafting my silliness in 2010. My life experiences over the last 9 years have been amazing both on and off the field. The people I have meet, the relationships I have built, the championships I have been apart of, I just want to thank the whole New England Patriots organization for every opportunity I have been giving and learning the great values of life that I can apply to mine. Thank you to all of Pats Nation around the world for the incredible support since I have been apart of this 1st class organization. Thank you for everyone accepting who I am and the dedication I have put into my work to be the best player I could be. But now its time to move forward and move forward with a big smile knowing that the New England Patriots Organization, Pats Nation, and all my fans will be truly a big part of my heart for rest of my life. It was truly an incredible honor to play for such a great established organization and able to come in to continue and contribute to keep building success. To all my current and past teammates, thank you for making each team every year special to be apart of. I will truly miss you guys. Cheers to all who have been part of this journey, cheers to the past for the incredible memories, and a HUGE cheers to the uncertain of whats next.

A post shared by Rob Gronkowski (@gronk) on Mar 24, 2019 at 2:53pm PDT

"Words can't express how proud I am of you," Kostek said. "It has been an absolute thrill watching you perform like no other out on that field. You are the best that has ever played the game if you ask me! I love you with all my heart! I will be your biggest fan in all that you do!"

The tight end won three Super Bowls in his career, helping the Patriots take down the Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX and breaking plenty of records over the span of his nine-year career.

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