Harry How/Getty Images
- The New England Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams, 13-3, in Super Bowl LIII on Sunday.
- After the game, Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski deflected questions regarding his potential retirement.
- While Gronkowski said it’s a decision that would be made "in a week or two," his response made it seem likely he had played his last game in the NFL.
The New England Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams, 13-3, in Super Bowl LIII, with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick lifting the Lombardi Trophy for the sixth time in 18 years.
After the game, Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski was asked about his NFL future. Rumors of his potential retirement had loomed over the lead-up to the Super Bowl, as Gronkowski had considered hanging up his cleats last season before deciding to come back for the 2018 NFL season.
"Tonight it’s about celebrating with my teammates, and that decision will be made in a week or two," Gronkowski told reporters after the game. "Tonight, that’s what it’s about — it’s about celebrating with my teammates, and that’s what I’m worried about tonight. We’re going to have a good time, Bill told me he’s partying, so you know it’s going to be good."
While Gronk is claiming his decision on next year hasn’t been made, what was left unsaid does seem to imply that his retirement is more likely than not.
If Gronk hasn’t decided on next year yet, it doesn’t make sense that he’s scheduled the answer to the question to come in a week or two. If there’s a date in mind for an announcement, it means there is an announcement, and if there is an announcement, it means he’s likely retiring. Otherwise, why not wait until he is sure about he wants to do.
It’s also worth mentioning that Gronkowski has toyed with the idea of a post-football career in Hollywood, and seems rather keen on the idea. He’s already had turns in films and movies and even made a brief appearance in the WWE ring at WrestleMania in 2017.
Regardless of Gronkowski’s decision, he’ll go down as one of the most dominant tight ends in NFL history. If he chooses to retire, he’ll exit the league as a reigning champion, with three Super Bowl rings to his name.
And if he surprises the league and does choose to come back for one more season, he’s clearly still got something to offer — coming down with six catches for 87 yards in the Super Bowl as he did against the Rams on Sunday is no small feat.
- More Super Bowl LIII coverage:
The first half of the Super Bowl was so boring Jim Nantz and Tony Romo lost their minds over a punt
Super Bowl LIII brought out a ton of celebrities — here are the biggest stars we saw
NOW WATCH: Japanese lifestyle guru Marie Kondo explains how to organize your home once and never again
See Also:
- The Patriots and Rams just played the lowest scoring game in Super Bowl history
- The first half of the Super Bowl was so boring Jim Nantz and Tony Romo lost their minds over a punt
- A former teammate of Tom Brady says he realized how special the young QB was when a mother started breastfeeding in front of him
Source: Business Insider