Patriots and NFL players post heartfelt tributes to retiring legend Rob Gronkowski

Shannon Connellan

New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski has announced his retirement from the NFL, prompting heartfelt social media posts from his teammates, other players, and fans.

The star 29-year-old tight end heralded his decision on Sunday with a lengthy post on Instagram, marking the end of a sparkling nine-year career.

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"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," he wrote.

"My life experiences over the last 9 years have been amazing both on and off the field," he added. "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."

View this post on Instagram

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 meet, 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 giving 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 apart 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 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.

A post shared by Rob Gronkowski (@gronk) on Mar 24, 2019 at 2:53pm PDT

Gronkowski thanked the Patriots, particularly owner Robert Kraft and head coach Bill Belichick, both of whom posted their own statements on Twitter.

"Rob was a great, great teammate. His production spoke for itself, but his daily attitude, unmistakably positive energy wherever he went and toward whoever he touched will never be forgotten," read Belichick's statement.

Kraft called him "the most dominant player at his position for nearly a decade."

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady also took to Instagram with a tribute to his teammate, calling the last nine years playing together an "honor and privilege." 

"You accomplished so much and our team was almost unbeatable when you were on the field! Your fun-loving, inspiring, and positive energy made an impact on everybody you came into contact with!" he wrote.

"As great as a player you are, you are a better teammate and person. The NFL was a better place with you in it!"

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What an honor and privilege to play with you these past nine years @gronk! You accomplished so much and our team was almost unbeatable when you were on the field! Your fun-loving, inspiring, and positive energy made an impact on everybody you came into contact with! Not just that, but for as great as a player you are, you are a better teammate and person. The NFL was a better place with you in it! But I have no doubt you will be a success in anything you do!!! Love you pal!

A post shared by Tom Brady (@tombrady) on Mar 24, 2019 at 4:01pm PDT

Fellow Patriots such as wide receiver Julian Edelman, along with other NFL players and sports media, posted tributes on Twitter and Instagram — and some were cheekier than others.

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2010 Drafted together and now 9 years later 3x super bowl champs. Man I’ve appreciated you as a teammate and leader...fighting through everything. CONGRATS...Enjoy retirement.. #firstballot Dmac

A post shared by Jason+Devin McCourty (@mccourtytwins) on Mar 24, 2019 at 3:50pm PDT

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The best to ever do it. Congrats on a great career brotha and enjoy the next chapter!

A post shared by Rex Burkhead (@rbrex34) on Mar 24, 2019 at 4:29pm PDT

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Was an honor and privilege to play with you bro! You were a great player, great leader, great teammate and great person. Gonna miss playing with you on sundays but gonna miss you in the locker room even more. Enjoy retirement because you earned it my brotha! #GreatestTightend #FirstBallot

A post shared by Duron Harmon (@dharm21) on Mar 24, 2019 at 5:28pm PDT

And one more from the official NFL Twitter account, featuring the man himself.

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