The Buccaneers are about to be down a Hall of Fame pass catcher as Rob Gronkowski officially announces his retirement from the NFL.
Today is Wednesday, June 22, 2022 and Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski has announced his second retirement from the NFL.
As a Buccaneers fan, I just want to say a sincere thank you to Rob Gronkowski for everything he did for the organization and the way he professionally represented the Buccaneers franchise. I wish Rob Gronkowski a happy, healthy, and fun retirement from the NFL.
Gronk joined the Bucs as an already three-time world champion from his time with the New England Patriots. I remember Gronk being part of a two-tight end set with O J Howard to begin the 2020 season and used mostly for run and pass blocking through the first quarter of the season.
Once O J Howard went down with an injury, Gronkowski became much more involved in Tampa’s passing attack. Gronkowski was critical in establishing a dual-threat rushing attack with Leonard Fournette and Ronald Jones; providing outstanding blocking to open running lanes for the two running back room.
His presence in the passing game could not be understated. Teams would have to double-team Gronkowski which would leave one on one coverage for the talented Bucs receiving corps. Gronk hauled in 45 catches on 77 targets for 623 yards and seven receiving touchdowns for the 2020 season. He continued elite-level play throughout the playoffs and saved his best performance for the Super Bowl.
The Buccaneers had the chance to make history by becoming the first team to win the Super Bowl with their home stadium being used as the host site for a Super Bowl. Gronk played a huge role in that game.
Rob Gronkowski returned for the 2021 season, with the Bucs looking to repeat as world champions. Gronkowski was a major factor in the Bucs high-powered offense. He had 55 receptions, 802 receiving yards, and caught six touchdown passes. The Bucs won a franchise-best 13 regular-season games and came within two games of going back to the Super Bowl. Tampa Bay had the number one passing offense, second best points per game averaging 30.1, and had the second-best overall offensive production for the 2021 season.
Rob Gronkowski, in my opinion, is the GOAT at the NFL tight end position and a first-ballot NFL Hall of Famer. The numerous accomplishments speak for themselves.
As it stands, the Bucs currently have six tight ends on the roster, including veteran TE Cameron Brate. Anything is possible, and Gronkowski could come out of retirement in the future. The offense is currently loaded with talent at the skill positions, and the Buccaneers need to prepare for football without the Gronk.
Again, I want to sincerely thank Rob Gronkowski for everything he did for the Buccaneers organization and fans! He brought fun, charisma, and fiesta parties to the NFL for the better. He was a major part of getting the Bucs back to championship form and a winning culture. Happy retirement from the NFL, Rob Gronkowski! I’m sure the next adventure is just beginning!