New England Patriots' superstar tight end, Rob Gronkowski, was not certain if he would be back for the 2018 NFL season. Rumors were circulating that the five-time Pro Bowler and First-team All-Pro may hang up the cleats and call it a career.
Asked following his Super Bowl LII loss about possibly retiring, Gronkowski responded, "I don't know how you heard that, but I mean, I'm definitely going to look at my future, for sure." He added, "I'm going to sit down in the next couple of weeks and see where I'm at."
Gronk has had several injuries in recent seasons, including three back surgeries, as well as procedures on his knee and forearm.
He has not played an entire 16-game season since 2011, so it would make sense if he were to announce his retirement, even at the young age of 28.
According to ESPN News, Gronkowski and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, met with Patriots head coach, Bill Belichick, telling him that Gronk will play for the Patriots this season.
"It was very positive, and Rob is committed," Rosenhaus told ESPN's Adam Schefter. A source also told Schefter that Gronkowski will not be traded this season.
Gronk announced his return in an Instagram post Wednesday.
One down, one to go
Rob Gronkowski was not the only Patriots star who wasn't quite ready to commit to playing the upcoming season.
Quarterback Tom Brady wants a new contract.
He has taken pay cuts in the past, and with his former back-up, Jimmy Garoppolo, who has started less NFL games than Brady has started Super Bowl games, signing a five-year contract worth $137.5 million this offseason, it is completely understandable why Brady would want to get paid what he is worth.
One can only assume that the Patriots will do right by Brady, arguably considered to be the greatest to ever play his position.
It still has fans on edge, and rightfully so, as there has been plenty of reported tension between Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.
What this means for the Patriots
A growing reality in New England is that their historic dynasty may be nearing an end. If Brady is able to structure his deal and return, he and Gronk will be the duo the Patriots need to rely upon to make another championship run.
Offseason losses in Danny Amendola and Brandin Cooks opens a void in the passing game, so the All-Pro tight end returning is much needed.
If Gronk did announce his retirement during this offseason, that may have prompted Brady to play elsewhere, if not call it a career himself. This may be the saving grace that the Patriots need to keep their long-standing dynasty intact. The New England Patriots will report to training camp on July 27th.
