ESPN.com · Jun 21, 2022
Tampa Bay Buccaneers TE Rob Gronkowski retiring from NFL for second time
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski is again calling it a career.
The 32-year-old Gronkowski announced his retirement Tuesday via social media.
Gronkowski had previously retired after the 2018 season with the New England Patriots due to injuries.
The 2010 second-round draft pick out of Arizona largely credits quarterback Tom Brady for setting the expectations for his career, and it was Brady who summoned him out of retirement in 2020 to play for the Bucs.
Though their personalities differed immensely -- Gronkowski playful, fun-loving and never known to have a bad day by coaches or teammates; Brady, methodical and intense -- they developed a close connection both on the field and off.