Rob Gronkowski Rejoins Patriots with 1-Day Contract for Friend’s Wish
Rob Gronkowski, the iconic tight end, returned to the New England Patriots to sign a one-day contract, fulfilling a heartfelt wish for his late friend, Susan Hurley. Hurley, who passed away on November 1, had expressed her desire for Gronkowski to retire as a Patriot during a summer event where he unveiled a new playground in Boston.
Honoring a Friendship
During the emotional ceremony, Gronkowski stated, “We are 100% here today for her.” He reminisced about his decade-long partnership with Hurley, highlighting her contributions to various charitable events and her lasting impact on his life.
Gronkowski’s Career Highlights
Gronkowski, who played in the NFL from 2010 to 2018, is celebrated as one of the greatest tight ends of all time. His achievements include:
- Three Super Bowl championships with the Patriots
- Five Pro Bowl selections
- Four first-team All-Pro honors
- 2014 NFL Comeback Player of the Year
- Setting multiple NFL records for a tight end in 2011
Record-Breaking Season
In the 2011 season, Gronkowski recorded:
- 90 receptions
- 1,327 receiving yards
- 17 touchdowns
His unique combination of size and speed made him a nightmare for defenses, as he stood 6-foot-6 and weighed 265 pounds. Gronkowski’s performances earned him a place on the Patriots All-2010s Team and positioned him for future Hall of Fame induction.
Memorable Moments
Among his numerous accolades, Gronkowski treasures his first Super Bowl victory in 2014. He noted, “Winning my first Super Bowl here… that will always be my favorite.” In that game, he caught six passes for 68 yards.
Even as he battled injuries throughout his career, with significant setbacks in 2012 and 2013, Gronkowski managed to maintain an impressive level of play. He returned strong in 2014, helping lead the Patriots to another championship.
Final Seasons and Retirement
After spending two final seasons with the Buccaneers, Gronkowski decided to retire in 2019. However, he returned to the NFL when Tom Brady joined Tampa Bay. With the opportunity to rejoin the Patriots, he felt it was imperative to retire where his career began.
In closing, Gronkowski expressed his loyalty to the team, remarking, “I’m a Patriot for life. There’s no doubt about that.”
