Tom Brady sends a heartfelt message in response to Rob Gronkowski’s retirement

Tom Brady reminisced on Rob Gronkowski’s legacy as the tight end announced his retirement from the NFL for the second time. Brady paid respect to his long-time teammate on Instagram. Brady and Gronkowski won four Super Bowls together, and Brady tossed the tight end 15 touchdown passes in the playoffs, the most for any postseason combo in history.

What did Tom Brady say about Rob Gronkowski’s retirement?

“When I think about @gronk, adjectives like a teammate, buddy, and brother spring to mind.” Nobody has ever personified the concept of “leaving everything on the field” as Rob has his whole career. “Every single shoot, I knew he was going to get to his location no matter how many people were in front of him,” Brady posted on Instagram.

Image Credits – NBC

“What’s more significant is who he was off the field.” He was focused when he needed to be and had the pleasure the rest of the time. Every NFL player’s ambition was to have Gronk in their locker room. I’m pleased with all we’ve done together, and I’m even more enthusiastic about what lies ahead for you.

Rob Gronkowski was drafted in the second round by the New England Patriots in 2010. He led the NFL in touchdown catches in his second season, and his prominence began to transform the way NFL clubs used tight ends.

For the Patriots, he appeared in 115 games, catching 521 receptions for 7,861 yards and scoring 79 touchdowns. He would retire after the 2018 season due to injury concerns. However, before the 2020 season, Tom Brady left the Patriots for the Buccaneers. Gronkowski decided to step out of retirement to join Tampa Bay.

He would assist the Buccaneers to reach the Super Bowl that year, scoring two touchdowns to earn Tampa Bay their second championship in team history. Gronkowski only participated in 12 games last season due to a concussion, and Tampa Bay failed to reach the Super Bowl despite winning the division.

He has 92 touchdowns and 621 receptions for 9,286 yards in his career. His touchdown catches are third all-time between many tight ends, and his receiving yards rank sixth all-time.