Rob Gronkowski officially signed a one-day contract with the New England Patriots to retire with the team that drafted him. This ceremony took place at Gillette Stadium and was part of a heartfelt tribute, as Gronkowski has always expressed his dedication to the franchise.
During the signing, Patriots owner Robert Kraft humorously suggested extending Gronkowski”s contract, hinting at the desire to have one of the greatest tight ends in the game back on the field for the upcoming divisional matchup against the struggling New York Jets. “Since we play the Jets tomorrow night, how about a two-day contract?” Kraft joked, eliciting laughter from those present.
Gronkowski quickly responded with a grin, asking, “What”s the signing bonus?” showcasing his playful personality even in this poignant moment of his career.
As of now, the Patriots lead the AFC East and sit as the second seed in the conference, benefiting from contributions by tight ends Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper. Henry has made notable impacts with 30 receptions for 377 yards and four touchdowns, while Hooper added 13 catches for 174 yards and one touchdown.
Gronkowski”s decision to sign the one-day contract was initially proposed by Kraft, aimed at allowing him to retire as a Patriot during the year he becomes eligible for the franchise Hall of Fame. However, the ceremony was expedited, driven by a promise Gronkowski made to his late friend and devoted Patriots fan, Susan Hurley, who recently passed away due to cancer. “The reason that we”re really going to do that is because of Susan Hurley,” Gronkowski explained, reflecting on their long-standing friendship and her support for his family and charitable initiatives.
Hurley, a native of North Reading, founded CharityTeams, which assists nonprofits in fundraising through athletic events. Her request to Kraft to sign Gronkowski to a one-day deal underscored the deep connection Gronkowski has with New England. “This generous gift shows deep connection to New England and proves that his heart will be forever in Foxboro,” Hurley had expressed during a ribbon-cutting ceremony prior to her passing.
Drafted in the second round in 2010, Gronkowski played nine seasons with the Patriots, winning two Super Bowls before a brief retirement in 2019. He revealed that injuries had taken a toll on his mental health, prompting him to step away from the sport. However, he returned to the NFL in 2020, joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and securing a third championship before retiring again in 2022 to pursue a career in broadcasting.
