Arizona Legend Rob Gronkowski officially retires from the NFL

An era is officially over, as Arizona Football legend Rob Gronkowski officially retires from the NFL, capping off a legendary career.

It’s a sad day for sports fans, as one of the NFL’s greats and former Arizona legends, Rob Gronkowski announced he will officially be retiring from football.

After spending about the past month or so weighing his options, the Gronk will call it quits, shortly after having won his third Super Bowl. Just months before his 30th birthday, the NFL veteran will instead set his sights to the future.

Arizona Wildcats

Drafted 42nd overall in the 2010 NFL Draft, Gronk spent nine seasons in New England, putting together a Hall of Fame-like career.

With the Patriots, Gronkowski appeared in 115 games, totaling 521 receptions for 7,861 yards and 79 touchdowns. During that time, he also was selected to five Pro Bowl’s, appearing in 16 playoff games and for Super Bowls.

It can surely be argued, that Gronk’s career as a tight end was one of the best in NFL history. Barring injury, there’s no guessing where he could have perhaps ended up!

Over the years we saw his charisma, his goofy antics and overall lovable character on the sidelines for the Wildcats and Patriots. However, over the past few years, it was apparent this once, young dynamic athlete began to show his age more and more as his health declined.

Now 29, Gronkowski will begin to focus on life after football while he still has his health. He’s a big tight end, but he’s also got a big vision. The guy has surely been busy in his life beyond football, and we certainly don’t expect him to disappear either.

Here is the lengthy and heartfelt message that Gronk posted to social media, announcing his retirement:

"“It all started at 20 years old on stage at the NFL Draft when my dream came true, and now here I am about to turn 30 in a few months with a decision I feel is the biggest of my life so far. I will be retiring from the game of football today. I am so grateful for the opportunity that Mr. Kraft and Coach Belichick gave to me when drafting my silliness in 2010. My life experiences over the last 9 years have been amazing both on and off the field. The people I have met, the relationships I have built, the championships I have been apart of, I just want to thank the whole New England Patriots organization for every opportunity I have been given and learning the great values of life that I can apply to mine. Thank you to all of Pats Nation around the world for the incredible support since I have been a part of this 1st class organization. Thank you for everyone accepting who I am and the dedication I have put into my work to be the best player I could be. But now its time to move forward and move forward with a big smile knowing that the New England Patriots Organization, Pats Nation, and all my fans will be truly a big part of my heart for the rest of my life. It was truly an incredible honor to play for such a great, established organization and able to come in to continue and contribute to keep building success. To all my current and past teammates, thank you for making each team every year special to be apart of. I will truly miss you guys. Cheers to all who have been part of this journey, cheers to the past for the incredible memories, and a HUGE cheers to the uncertain of whats next.”"

In honor of the Gronk, here are some much needed highlights of him while at Arizona!

At Zona Zealots, we’re sad to see Gronk go, but understand it’s a retirement well-deserved. He surely put his heart and soul into everything and he will be missed on the gridiron. Bear Down, Gronk!