Rob Gronkowski is once again expected to consider retirement after this season, reports NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
The five-time Pro Bowl tight end has battled injuries the past few years and seriously considered retirement following last season. That's not the first time he's pondered the issue. An NBC Sports Boston report last year said Gronkowski thought about retiring before the 2017 season even began.
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Rapoport reported sources close to Gronkowski believe his decision this time "will go the other way."
The 29-year-old Gronkowski has missed 13 games the past three years to injury. In 13 games this season he had 47 catches for 682 yards and three touchdowns, a far cry from the numbers he put up in his prime.
Despite dealing with back and ankle injuries recently, Gronkowski isn't making excuses.
"It's the game of football, there are no room for excuses," Gronkowski told reporters Thursday. "Everyone is dealing with something. You just have to keep on moving forward, you have to find a way. That is what makes this game great. You have to be mentally and physically prepared at all times to keep on going."