Gronk may not miss football, but football will miss Gronk. Well done, Gronk.
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I remember reading at one time that the average NFL career was four years, and that was typically for running backs and linemen.
It seems that the current generation of players are much more aware of the long-term damage they will suffer from repeated hits, concussions, surgeries, etc. And that they're more willing to give it all up at a younger age to have a better quality of life as they get older.
Luck and Gronk may give other players the confidence to walk away at a younger age from the game for health reasons, especially if they've been prudent about saving and investing a good portion of their salaries. Modern day football remains a violent game. How much is it worth to continue sacrificing your body for a game?
8
I am a Pats fan, and anyone who watches them knows that much of their offensive success comes from short passes, many over the middle. The tight ends, slot receivers and running backs absorb some huge hits as a result. The Giants in one of their Super Bowl wins hit Wes Welker so hard I thought he would never get up. In the last Super Bowl Gronk took a helmet to the thigh that also looked extremely painful. It makes sense to expect shorter careers at these positions. It also makes sense that players may occasionally need to take half a season or even a full season off to heal. As a fan I appreciate what these guys do. As a person I sympathize with the toll it takes on them.
8
The Gronk is one of my favorite players (yes, I am a diehard Pats fan and have been since 1974). I wish him nothing but the best.
10
Years ago I was a bit of a football fan. But I haven't watched a game in over ten years, or any sport for that matter.
The obscene salaries, the greed of the owners.
TV doesn't convey the violence of football. If you're near the sidelines, it can be shocking. It makes one wonder how the players in the 50s,60s and 70s, lasted for more than a few years.
Gronk was wise to retire. Pain is your bodies wake up call, especially chronic pain. I'm sure he has some permanent damage, but if he adopts a healthy lifestyle, he can mitigate a lot that.
6
I believe Gronkowski made a smart move by retiring. He has dealt with so many injures that have been hard to come back from and play in the NFL.
It is also better for his health.
5
About Luck: "even though he's just a QB." What a funny, priceless dig! Nice touch, Gronk!
14
Gronk, referring to Andrew Luck and his choice to retire, "...and even though he’s just a quarterback,...."
Oh Gronk, Anyone who has played the game knows, if your team doesn't have a good O Line, your QB is going to take a ton of tough hits!
It almost sounded like Gronk was goofing on QBs!
6
Love Gronk.
Classic quote in this article, "... even though he's just a quarterback...".
12
It is obvious that Rob is sincere about his change in lifestyle. It sometimes takes life experiences to make one realize that there are better choices. He may miss the "game" at some point, but I believe he now knows that he needs to make life decisions that will benefit him in staying healthy. I wish Rob the very best.
11
Best of luck in your new endeavors Gronk. We really enjoyed watching you play, I just wish it was with the NY Giants....
10
So Gronkowski is able to cover his pain-filled retirement with the high note of a championship win. Nice for his fans and for the Patriots, I guess. Not so for Andrew Luck, who came somewhat close to winning before he stepped away from football. I guess his fans would have wanted at least one Super Bowl win, and since he didn't get it, he's gotten at least a mixed response, often a nasty one, to his retirement. Tough luck, Luck.
I think fans miss the forest for the trees. Why do we continually support a sport that devastates its labor force by the age of 30, playing fast-and-loose with players' health? Even after 30, they may be fortunate if they have a real life after retirement. The real "winners" are the rich, aging white guys who can always get more meat from the college ranks. Can we do better?
23
@Oy Fans here had been hyped to expect the Colts to be playoff, and maybe Super Bowl, bound this year. I think many of those booing were reacting to having those expectations so dramatically and unexpectedly dashed more than they were intentionally dissing Andrew Luck. Unfortunately, it no doubt seemed to many like the latter.
1
I love the "even though he's just a quarterback" about Andrew Luck. Good for both of them for figuring out what was right for them and having the guts to do it.
22
Gronk was so good for so long and, in many ways, the soul of the Patriots. But, we could see it coming and I laud him for even staying last year and winning a Super Bowl; if he had retired after the SB loss to the Eagles, that would have been terrible.
Still, Gronk is such a fun vivacious guy that you have to imagine that he'll be in the public eye for years to come. The public loves him and he loves them. There can still be a great life after the NFL and Gronk will exemplify that.
19
Good read. Sounds like he is maturing. Pain can do that. I hope his CBD product is safe, effective and successful.
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