Rob Gronkowski, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end, has announced his retirement from NFL again. The 33-year-old put up an Instagram post saying he’d now go back to “chilling”, and looked back fondly upon his journey to becoming one of the GOATs of the game.
Of the 11 seasons, Gronk spent nine at the New England Patriots, and the last two with the Buccaneers.
His initial retirement announcement came after the stint with the Patriots when Gronkowski was 29. The pro explained his decision five months later, saying “I was not in a good place. Football was bringing me down, and I didn’t like it. I was losing that joy in life… I could play right now if I wanted to play. I’m feeling good. Physically, I could do it. Mentally-wise, desire-wise, it’s not there… I am very satisfied with where I am in life right now. I truly believe going through those tough times, nine years, off the field, on the field, has brought me to this point. I believe I’m on the right path in my life”, ESPN reported.
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Gronkowski has suffered many injuries and pains during his career, which the star said was impacting his mental health.
However, he came out of retirement to join legendary quarterback Tom Brady, going to the Buccaneers.
Announcing his return via an Instagram post, Gronkowski defended his decision, saying “I said it from the beginning that I wouldn’t come back to the game unless I’m feeling it, feeling healthy, and feeling ready to play. Taking a year off was hands down the best decision I made, not just in my career, but also for my health and well-being, and I would do that all over again.”
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He added, “And now my fire is back”, saying he would give his all during the season, and indeed helped his team on their season journey.
