Gronkowski mulling retirement

[Hammock Parties]

If Gronk retires...that offense is done.

Will Rob Gronkowski retire? Why the Patriots star's decision isn't easy

http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/2...-decision-easy

When asked whether he had just played his last game, Gronkowski deferred.

"Tonight's about celebrating with our teammates," he said. "That decision will be made in a week or two."

Someone mentioned a hit he took during the game -- in the second quarter, he collided with a pair of Rams defenders after a short catch -- and he replied quickly, "Yeah, my quad. It hurts a lot. I can barely walk right now." He added, his delivery more deadpan than joyful: "But it's all good, because we're Super Bowl champs."

After the hit, Gronkowski, who played every snap, staggered off the field. Whenever he suffers a blow -- he has endured more than most players, in part because his gigantic frame makes it difficult for defenders to tackle him any other way -- he limps like a cinematic monster hobbled by arrows. The effect is similarly heartbreaking. Gronkowski had surgery on his spine before entering the league (explaining why the Patriots were able to snag him in the second round), and he has experienced a litany of painful injuries and operations over the years. This season, he missed three regular-season games, reportedly because he was suffering from Achilles tendinitis and a bulging disc in his back.

Earlier in the week, he acknowledged how difficult it has been for him to come back at times.

"Try to imagine getting hit all the time, and trying to be where you want every day in life," he said. "It's tough. It's difficult. To take hits to the thigh, to take hits to your head, abusing your body ... isn't what the brain wants."

After his news conference at the Super Bowl, Gronkowski trudged to the locker room, where he started peeling his pads off. As a staffer pulled his nametag off his locker (empty, save for a roll of tube socks and a half-eaten sandwich), Tom Brady's personal trainer, Alex Guerrero, walked over and gently unwrapped the tape on his arm. While his teammates sprayed champagne and danced on one side of the room, Gronkowski was quiet -- solemn, almost. A reporter asked him where he was partying, and he muttered in response: "We'll see, we'll see."

When he had changed into a towel, the large scar on his shoulder shiny with sweat, it was evident that his right thigh was absurdly swollen, to the point where it looked bloated. His movements were halting. I asked him if he was looking forward to the offseason -- potentially, the rest of his life -- and he smiled softly, "I'm super excited to just chill."

[TipRoast]

Originally Posted by Hammock Parties

He has never been as good as Gonzalez, and if he played 20 years ago like Gonzalez his numbers wouldn't be nearly as inflated.

And if Gonzalez had been on a Belichick team, he would have been cut because he wasn't physical enough for the position.

[Rain Man]

Originally Posted by TipRoast

And if Gonzalez had been on a Belichick team, he would have been cut because he wasn't physical enough for the position.

I'll agree that Tony had a strict no-murder policy.

[203Pat]

Originally Posted by Rain Man

I'll agree that Tony had a strict no-murder policy.

Jovan Belcher didn’t hang around with Tony enough I guess.

[Rain Man]

Originally Posted by 203Pat

Jovan Belcher didn’t hang around with Tony enough I guess.

He wasn't in any of the tight end meetings.

[Amnorix]

Originally Posted by TipRoast

And if Gonzalez had been on a Belichick team, he would have been cut because he wasn't physical enough for the position.

Yeah, no. Moss wasn't the best blocker either. If you EXCEL at something, then there's more forgiveness if you're not as all-around as some other guys.

[lawrenceRaider]

Originally Posted by TipRoast

And if Gonzalez had been on a Belichick team, he would have been cut because he wasn't physical enough for the position.

Of the dumb things I've read from posters on a message board, this might top the list.

[Amnorix]

Originally Posted by Hammock Parties

He's not even close to as good as Gonzalez was.

He's Jeremy Shockey with a HOF coach and QB leading the way.

Saw this and thought of you, Mr. Worst-Talent-Evaluator there is. Stick to posting GIFs.

https://twitter.com/search?q=zoltan%20buday&src=typd

The highest single season @PFF grades by a TE since 2010:
1. Gronk (2011)
2. Gronk (2014)
3. Gronk (2015)
4. Gronk (2013)
5. Gronk (2012)
6. Gronk (2017)
t-7. Gronk (2016), Greg Olsen (2015) & Jason Witten (2010)
10. Jimmy Graham (2011)

Also note that Shockey didn't even make the 2000 All decade team, and there isn't exactly alot of doubt around who will be the first team all decade team's TE for the 2010s.

[SuperBowl4]

I drafted RG in my fantasy league last year because TK was already taken. I traded RG in week ten because he is not what he used to be.

[Amnorix]

Originally Posted by SuperBowl4

I drafted RG in my fantasy league last year because TK was already taken. I traded RG in week ten because he is not what he used to be.

He sure wasn't in 2018, that's for sure, and maybe never will be again. Late in the season it came out that he had back and achilles issues, which likely affected his play, but obviously backs can (and have been for him) be a recurring issue and he's taking a hell of a beating in his career.

He may retire, or he may be just a shell of what he used to be for another season or two, or he may be more like the old Gronk that he flashed in the Super Bowl. Only time will tell.

[Red Dawg]

Originally Posted by 203Pat

Gronkowski is a significantly better TE than Gonzalez ever was. You might as well compare Jimmy Graham and Gonzalez.

Stay off the crack. Gonzo played longer and with bums. Gronk won't sniff his stats. Gronk has been a beast but he's not significantly better than Gonzo. That's just sounds stupid. Gronk is done, he will need a cane in a few years.

[Yehoodi]

Be interesting to see if Gronk does retire. Hate to see him leave but understand his points about long term health and the day to day grind of the NFL season.

Maybe if the Pats could find a reduced roll for Gronk to save on wear and tear, he would still be a valuable asset to the team. Gronk does get hit a lot and players go for his legs to tackle him as most have a hard time tackling him straight up.

He is due a base salary of 9 million this year.

[Yehoodi]

Originally Posted by Amnorix

He sure wasn't in 2018, that's for sure, and maybe never will be again. Late in the season it came out that he had back and achilles issues, which likely affected his play, but obviously backs can (and have been for him) be a recurring issue and he's taking a hell of a beating in his career.

He may retire, or he may be just a shell of what he used to be for another season or two, or he may be more like the old Gronk that he flashed in the Super Bowl. Only time will tell.

I would love to have him back to play in a reduce roll to avoid the wear and tear on his body but at the same time have him on the roster when we need him throughout the season.

[bowener]

Can he unretire midseason?

[Amnorix]

Originally Posted by bowener

Can he unretire midseason?

I don't think so. He's under contract, so to retire he has to file retirement papers I think. Could he file them and then change his mind? Maybe. Pats would still own his rights. Not sure what happens to the old contract. Pro-rated for the portion of the season that he plays? No idea.

Mark Bavaro, who spent a few years with BB in Cleveland, came out publicly saying that BB gave him a much reduced workload those last few years and that BB shoudl do the same for Gronk. I agree. I don't much care about how he does in September, we need him in Jan/Feb.

[Titty Meat]

9 mil is alot to walk away from