Rob Gronkowski believes the hype relating to his resolution to exclude the Patriots from his second retirement announcement has been “blown out of proportion.”
The previous NFL tight finish, 33, raised eyebrows over his retirement message final month, when he expressed gratitude for his most up-to-date workforce, the Buccaneers, with out mentioning New England, the place he spent the primary 9 years of his profession and received three Tremendous Bowls.
“I believe it’s slightly blown out of proportion,” Gronkowski instructed NESN on Tuesday. “I imply, I type of did it when, you realize, my first retirement.”
Gronkowski initially known as it a profession in March 2019, a month after profitable his third Tremendous Bowl title. On the time, he penned a prolonged tribute to the Patriots, even recalling the second the workforce chosen him within the second spherical of the 2010 NFL Draft.
A yr later, nonetheless, he returned to the NFL to workforce up with Tom Brady, who joined the Buccaneers in free company in 2020. The dynamic duo went on to win a Tremendous Bowl collectively of their debut season with the workforce.
When Gronkowski introduced in June that he was retiring for the second time, he spoke about his “superb” expertise with the Buccaneers and defined that it had been a dream of his to play in Tampa Bay.
“There’s little doubt I really like New England,” Gronkowski stated Tuesday. “I really like all of the followers right here in New England. There’s little doubt. However I felt like that speech or no matter, the time and place I did for the primary one was nice, and I used to be simply type of giving it for that retirement for the 2 years I had in Tampa. However I believe it was blown out of proportion possibly slightly. However I really like New England, love every thing about it.”
Earlier than Gronkowski formally hung up his cleats for the second time, it was broadly believed that he would return for an additional season after Brady ended his 40-day retirement in March. Gronkowski additionally closed the door on a possible return Tuesday, telling ESPN he’s “carried out with soccer” — even when his former quarterback got here calling.
“Love the sport. Love the sport. And undoubtedly blessed with all of the alternatives the sport of soccer has given me…. However carried out with soccer and stepping my toes into the enterprise,” Gronkowski stated.
“I'd reply [if Brady called], clearly. I'd clearly reply the best quarterback of all time, ask him how he’s doing, and inform him I’m doing good, however I wouldn’t return to soccer, no,” he stated.
Gronkowski wrapped what could be his remaining season within the league with 55 catches, 802 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns.
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