Mike Reiss
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — There was a lightweight second Wednesday as proprietor Robert Kraft welcomed Rob Gronkowski again to Gillette Stadium to signal a ceremonial one-day contract to retire as a member of the New England Patriots — fulfilling the want of Gronkowski's late good friend, Susan Hurley.
As Kraft started his introduction, he turned to Gronkowski and stated: “By the best way, since we play the [New York] Jets [Thursday] night time, how a few two-day contract?”
Gronkowski was fast with the reply.
“Let's do it!” he stated together with his trademark exuberance. “What is the signing bonus?”
To which Kraft replied with a smile: “Nothing's modified!”
RKK: “How a few 2-day contract?”@RobGronkowski: “What is the signing bonus?” 😂 pic.twitter.com/CSMgZ08ddp
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) November 12, 2025
It was a day of excellent vibes for 36-year-old Gronkowski, who performed for the Patriots from 2010 to 2018, then completed his profession with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020-21. Gronkowski, who was joined by girlfriend Camille Kostek and former teammates David Andrews, Brian Hoyer and Rob Ninkovich, gained three Tremendous Bowls with the Patriots and one other with the Buccaneers.
He known as the primary Tremendous Bowl in New England — a 28-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Feb. 1, 2015 — his favourite reminiscence as a Patriot due to the sport itself and the following celebration.
“This implies rather a lot to me. Massive-time. I am a New England Patriot. I am a Patriot for all times,” he stated. “My profession began right here, and it 100% wanted to finish right here, there isn't any doubt about that.
“The entire ‘Gronk' persona, the whole lot about myself, was all due to the followers of New England, and my teammates and everybody else right here accepting me from the start.”
Gronkowski will function Keeper of the Mild earlier than Thursday's sport in opposition to the Jets (8:15 p.m., Prime Video), ringing the bell atop the lighthouse at Gillette Stadium.
“It is going to be particular,” he stated, including that he'll handle the gang at halftime.
