Aside from Tom Brady, it’s hard to point to a more impactful player in the history of the New England Patriots than longtime tight end and future Hall of Famer Rob Gronkowski. Although “Gronk” hasn’t played for New England since the 2018 season, Patriots owner Robert Kraft recently shared major news about his former superstar.
Robert Kraft Reveals Major Update on Rob Gronkowski
Gronkowski is both a Patriots and an NFL legend. In nine seasons with New England, he recorded 521 catches for 7,861 yards and 79 touchdowns. He ranks second in all-time receiving yards for the franchise and holds the record for most touchdowns in team history.
He helped the Patriots win three of their six Super Bowls and was part of two of the top 20 NFL offenses since 2001, with New England’s 2011 offense ranked ninth and its 2012 unit ranked 15th, according to PFSN’s OFFi metric.
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Despite all his success with the organization, Gronkowski did not finish his career as a member of the Patriots. After taking a year off from football in 2019, he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and played two more seasons before officially retiring.
However, on Wednesday, the Patriots announced that Gronkowski would be signing a one-day contract with the team to retire as a member of the Patriots officially.
During the announcement of his one-day contract, there was a hilarious moment, as Kraft joked with Gronkowski about suiting up, saying, “Since we play the Jets tomorrow, how about a 2-day contract?” Gronkowski quickly shot back, “Let’s do it. What’s the signing bonus?”
Rob Gronkowski is signing a 1-day contract today to retire a Patriot.
Owner Robert Kraft: “Since we play the Jets tomorrow, how about a 2-day contract?”
Gronk: Let’s do it! What’s the signing bonus?!”
Kraft: “Nothing has changed.” 😂😂
pic.twitter.com/t1etA7IwSb— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 12, 2025
While Kraft’s comment was clearly a joke, there’s no doubt that “Gronk” could still suit up and play for the Patriots on Thursday against their longtime AFC East rival.
There hasn’t been a greater dynasty in the NFL than the New England Patriots under Brady and legendary head coach Bill Belichick. While those two receive most of the credit, it’s hard to imagine the team achieving the same level of success throughout the 2010s without “Gronk.”
Gronkowski is widely regarded as one of the best tight ends in NFL history, and given his immense impact on the Patriots organization, it only feels right that he retires as a member of the team.
When NFL fans think of Gronkowski, most people immediately associate his name with the Patriots. While he won his fourth Super Bowl with the Buccaneers in 2021 and made an impact in Tampa Bay, his legacy will now always be tied to New England.