Patriots Owner Robert Kraft Releases Statement Following Gronk’s Retirement

It will be really hard to say goodbye to Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, and every member of the Patriots family will have to do that these days. First, it was receiver Julian Edelman, and quarterback Tom Brady, and now we have team owner Robert Kraft.

Following Gronk’s announcement, the Patriots owner released a statement praising Gronk and everything he has done for the team. Robert Kraft thanked Gronk for what he brought to the organization during his nine years in Foxboro.

In his statement, the owner says he’s looking forward to the day Gronk is inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Let’s not forget that Gronk is considered the best tight end in the NFL history.

“In the nine years that I have known Rob Gronkowski, I have never known him to have a bad day,” Kraft wrote in his statement. “He always has a youthful exuberance about him and is a joy to be around. As a player, he earned the respect of his coaches and teammates for his hard work, preparation, selfless attitude and the sheer dominance of his game. ‘Gronk’ quickly became a fan favorite and the most dominant player at his position for nearly a decade. I look forward to honoring him in the near future as both a Patriots and Pro Football Hall of Famer.

“As great of a player as he was, he is an even better person and ambassador of the game. Throughout his career, he made countless appearances in the community and there was no better remedy for hospital patients than a visit from Gronk. While Patriots fans are certainly going to miss seeing him play, he will be a Patriot for life and celebrated as a three-time Super Bowl champion.”

Gronk was a brilliant Patriot, and he will undoubtedly do even greater things in life.