New England Patriots Rumors: Why Rob Gronkowski won’t retire in 2019

With Super Bowl LIII just days away, the talk surrounding the New England Patriots is whether it will be the game for Rob Gronkowski.

There has been a refreshing site this week in Atlanta.  In the days leading up to Super Bowl LIII, there has been a very jubilant Rob Gronkowski taking part in the festivities, which means the New England Patriots tight end has found the fun in the game again.

Getting back to the Super Bowl is enough to make a big-time player like Gronkowski smile, but his performances leading up to the big game has proved that he can still impact the game in a different way.  That may be part of what is inspiring the rejuvenation of the Gronk we’ve all grown to love off the field.

So, what about the retirement talk that has been fueling since the regular season came to an end?

More from Chowder and Champions

• 3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox
• 10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster Deadline
• MLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return
• 3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 Season
• Red Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win

With all Rob Gronkowski has already accomplished in the NFL and the Hollywood career that is certainly awaiting, a Super Bowl victory would be the perfect time for the All-Pro tight end to leave the game.  At least that is what most experts believe.

But, what about Gronk?

Well, the big tight end is not giving that answer now either way.  Like last year, expect him to add a little drama to a decision he has probably already made.  When asked about the possibility on Super Bowl media night Monday, Gronkowski gave the following answer, via ESPN:

"“As of right now, those are the last things I’m thinking of. …I love playing the game.  After a long season, after the [Super Bowl], a few weeks down the road, you sit back, you relax, you get some downtime, enjoyment time.  And you just see where you want to go with it.”"

A respectable answer, but one that appears driven by the continuity of his quarterback.  That’s right.  If Tom Brady continues playing, Rob Gronkowski will continue playing even with a victory on Sunday night.

Although not as dominant in the open field as he was, the New England Patriots tight end is still physically dominant in other phrases of the game.  As long as he feels healthy and good to go, the desire to continue on and catch passes from Brady will burn on.  While the injuries and physical abuse his body has taken is a main reason many feel Super Bowl LIII could be his last, Gronk pretty much put that to rest.

"“How many more years my body could take?,” Gronkowski responded when asked about how many years his body could endure in the NFL.  “In my opinion?  That’ a good question.  Many.  Many, many, many years. …There is no number.  As such years as I want to go.  Yeah, I feel good.  But, I mean, if you just work hard enough through the work days, you can keep going.”"

Money will also play a role in Rob Gronkowski’s desire to keep playing.  The value he showed in the playoffs could be enough to land him a new affordable deal with the Patriots.  With an obvious change in his demeanor, it appears he is indeed feeling healthy and having fun again.  He has found a new way to have an impact on the game and that could trigger a few more years out of him.

After all, he is just approaching 30 years of age.  While walking away now would be respectable, showing he is still one of the top tight ends in the game in the next season or two will only add to his legacy.  So, why is Rob Gronkowski not retiring after Super Bowl LIII win or lose?

It’s simple.  He is a football player who has something to prove to himself.  And yes, there is that Tom Brady factor.