Rob Gronkowski won his final Super Bowl in a Tampa Bay Buccaneers uniform, but his legacy will always be tied to New England. After retiring for a second time in 2022, the legendary tight end is making one final move to solidify his place where it all began, ensuring he officially ends his career as a member of the team that drafted him in 2010.
Why Is Rob Gronkowski Officially Retiring as a Patriot?
Although Rob Gronkowski has not played an NFL snap since the 2021 season, his connection to the New England Patriots remains strong. Gronkowski’s second retirement came in June 2022 after a final playoff run with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a stint that ended in the Divisional Round rather than with another Super Bowl ring.
He had previously retired as a Patriot in 2019, following New England’s Super Bowl LIII victory over the Los Angeles Rams, citing the heavy physical and mental toll the game had taken on him. That time away from football lasted just one season before he reunited with Tom Brady in Tampa Bay, a move that resulted in his fourth Super Bowl title.
Now, with his playing career firmly in the books, Gronkowski wants to make his Patriots allegiance official. The team confirmed he will sign a one-day contract with New England on Wednesday to formally retire with the franchise, according to Mike Kadlick of Sports Illustrated.
From the #Patriots:
Former TE Rob Gronkowski will return to Foxborough on Wednesday afternoon and sign a one-day contract, retiring from the NFL as a Patriot. pic.twitter.com/jFcBQXCCR6
— Mike Kadlick (@mikekadlick) November 10, 2025
Gronkowski first shared his intentions during the Fox Sports broadcast of the Patriots’ game against the Buccaneers on Sunday, announcing that he planned to sign the one-day deal.
During his decorated career in Foxborough, Mass., Gronkowski played in 115 games and cemented his status as one of the franchise’s all-time greats. In nine seasons with the Patriots, he amassed 7,861 receiving yards and 79 touchdowns, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards four times.
His playoff dominance was equally impressive, as he caught 15 career receiving touchdowns in the postseason, placing him sixth on the all-time list. Twelve of those crucial scores came while wearing a Patriots uniform.
Because of his contributions to the second part of the Patriots’ dynasty under Bill Belichick and his efforts in helping the Buccaneers claim a Super Bowl, two franchises will celebrate Gronkowski. It seems only fitting, however, that he goes out as a member of the Patriots, giving the team another positive moment in what is rapidly becoming a memorable 2025 season.