New England Patriots: 5 reasons Rob Gronkowski should just retire

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 25: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots looks on against the New York Jets during their game at MetLife Stadium on November 25, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 25: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots looks on against the New York Jets during their game at MetLife Stadium on November 25, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots
FOXBORO, MA – DECEMBER 8: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /

1. His body is failing him

Rob Gronkowski’s ability to get injured has always affected him. Gronk dealt with injuries throughout college and they haven’t stopped in the NFL.

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This season has shown fans how much these injuries have taken a toll on the tight end. Gronkowski simply doesn’t look like the same player anymore. He looks skinnier and he isn’t able to gain separation from players.

It seems like Gronkowski is needing more and more time to get healthy and ready for games. Gronk scored a touchdown in New England’s first game of the season and didn’t score another one until Week 12.

The common trait of these events is that they come after long periods of rest. Gronkowski hadn’t played a full game in a long time in Week 1, and the tight end had 3 weeks of rest before Week 12.

It’s like watching an aging MMA fighter get back in the octagon. You just feel bad for Gronkowski. For his long-term health, he needs to leave the game.