Rob Gronkowski officially retired as a member of the New England Patriots by signing a one-day contract during a ceremony at Gillette Stadium on November 12, 2025. This moment marked his return to the franchise that drafted him in 2010, allowing him to conclude his illustrious career where it began.
During the ceremony, Patriots owner Robert Kraft playfully suggested extending Gronkowski’s contract, humorously proposing a two-day contract so the tight end could participate in the upcoming divisional game against the New York Jets. While the Patriots, with an impressive record of 8-2, do not necessarily need his services, the idea of fielding a player of Gronkowski’s caliber brought laughter to the room. “Let’s do it. What’s the signing bonus?” Gronkowski responded, prompting chuckles from those present.
A Tribute to a Friend
Gronkowski’s retirement is not just a personal milestone but also a tribute to his late friend, Susan Hurley. Hurley, a North Reading native and founder of CharityTeams, had requested Kraft to sign Gronkowski to a one-day contract before her passing from stage 4 cancer. “The reason that we’re really going to do that is because of Susan Hurley,” Gronkowski stated. He emphasized the significant impact Hurley had on his life and the community, revealing that she had long supported him and his foundation.
According to the Boston Herald, Kraft acknowledged Hurley’s influence, saying, “This generous gift of $1.8 million shows [Gronk’s] deep connection to New England.” Hurley had encouraged Kraft to make the signing official during a ribbon-cutting event for a charity initiative.
A Celebrated Career
Gronkowski enjoyed a remarkable career with the Patriots, playing nine seasons and winning two Super Bowls. He briefly retired in 2019 due to the mental and physical toll of injuries but returned to the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he secured a third Super Bowl ring. In June 2022, he formally announced his retirement from football and transitioned to a role as an NFL analyst with FOX Sports alongside Tom Brady.
Reflecting on his journey, Gronkowski shared, “I was not in a good place. Football was bringing me down, and I didn’t like it. I was losing that joy in life.” His brief hiatus allowed him to regain perspective, leading to a return to the sport he loves.
As he retires as a Patriot, Gronkowski leaves behind a legacy defined not only by his on-field achievements but also by the strong connections he forged with the New England community. His farewell signifies the end of an era for a player who will always be remembered as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history.
