New England Patriots - NESN.com
Rob Gronkowski wants his football story to officially end in Foxborough with the New England Patriots.
At Tuesday’s unveiling of “Gronk Playground” along the Charles River Esplanade, the former Patriots tight end revealed he plans to sign a ceremonial one-day contract so he can retire with the franchise that drafted him.
The idea was pushed forward by Susan Hurley, a longtime partner in his charitable work, who asked Patriots owner Robert Kraft to make it happen. Kraft responded with a thumbs-up. Gronkowski later confirmed he was on board.
“I like that a lot, and the reason we’re really going to do that is because of Susan Hurley,” Gronkowski said, as transcribed by Matt Geagan of CBS Boston. “She wants to see that happen. RKK gave her a thumbs-up so we’re going to make it happen in the future.”
Hurley, battling stage four cancer, helped make the $1.8 million playground possible. Gronkowski dedicated one of two elm trees in the park to her, with the other honoring Kraft. He grew emotional while thanking Hurley for her years of commitment to his charitable causes.
The playground was years in the making, but Gronkowski’s NFL legacy in New England was already secure.
A second-round pick in 2010, he became the most dominant tight end of his era. Over nine seasons with the Patriots, Gronkowski hauled in 79 touchdowns in the regular season and another 12 in the playoffs, celebrating many with his trademark spike.
He won three Super Bowls in New England before briefly unretiring to join Tom Brady in Tampa Bay, where he added a fourth ring.
Officially retired since 2022, Gronkowski is eligible for the Patriots Hall of Fame in 2026 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2027.
Now it appears he will have one more day in Patriots colors before those honors arrive.
