Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob
Gronkowski said he’d retire if the NFL forced him to make a final
decision about the 2022 season right now.
Gronkowski told TMZ Sports in an
interview released Wednesday he’ll instead take some time to rest and
recover before making any announcements about his future.
“If they’re like, ‘Rob, you’ve got
to decide right now, right this second if you’re playing next year,’
I would say no right now,” he said. “I would be like, ‘No,
I’m not playing.'”
Gronk added: “I just want to heal
completely, see where my thoughts are from there. Just let things
settle down—got to just heal a little bit. Fix all the bumps and
bruises.”
The 32-year-old University of Arizona product put together another solid year in 2021. He recorded 55 catches for
802 yards, his highest totals since 2017 with the New England
Patriots, and also scored six touchdowns across 12 appearances during
the regular season.
He previously retired ahead of the 2019
campaign only to return in 2020 to reunite with quarterback Tom Brady
following his move from the Pats to the Bucs.
Gronkowski told Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos
the future of Brady, who’s also faced questions about potential
retirement, won’t have a direct impact on his own decision.
“Tom’s gotta do what he’s gotta
do,” the four-time Super Bowl champion said. “You know, I can’t
speak for him, but whatever is best for him and his family, I totally
understand. Everyone really wants to see him play football.”
Gronk added he’ll likely come to his
own conclusion in a “couple weeks.”
If the New York native decides to hang
up his cleats for good, he’ll be a lock for future Hall of Fame
induction, almost assuredly on the first ballot.
Along with the Super Bowl titles, his
resume also features five Pro Bowl appearances, four First Team
All-Pro selections and several NFL records for tight ends, including
the single-season mark for touchdown receptions with 17 in 16 games
during the 2011 season.
If Gronkowski opts to return, he’s
slated to become an unrestricted free agent with the conclusion of
his one-year, $8 million contract with the Buccaneers.
He’d likely have no shortage of
potential suitors if he decides to leave Tampa Bay, an option he may
explore if Brady retires.
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