Rob Gronkowski to the WWE? NFL player-turned-wrestler Moose thinks so

Alexis Mansanarez

Rob Gronkowski to the WWE? NFL player-turned-wrestler Moose thinks so image

Rob Gronkowski's future isn't in the NFL for the time being.

So, what's next for the three-time Super Bowl champion? Another former NFL player thinks it could be a brief stint in the ring.

SIGN UP for DAZN and watch the 2019 NFL Draft and highlights of the 2019 NFL Combine

Quinn Ojinnaka, a former Patriot himself, made the transition from the NFL to the WWE and could see Gronkowski doing the same. Ojinnaka, whose ring name is Moose, was teammates with Gronk in 2010.

“I think Gronk’s going to sign with WWE, but he’s not going to make it his next career,” Ojinnaka said, via Sports Illustrated. “He can have a big match at WrestleMania or SummerSlam, but I know Gronk. People need to understand that his body has been through hell. Gronk can’t make this a career, but he can have a couple great matches.”

Gronkowski, 29, announced he was retiring after spending nine seasons in the league. He's touted as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history and built an impressive resume which unfortunately included a number of injuries.

Gronkowski has suffered a sprained ankle, a broken left forearm, ongoing back issues, a torn ACL/MCL, a knee sprain, hamstring injury and more.

“If Gronk were healthy, he would have made a perfect wrestler,” Ojinnaka added. “He’s athletic, has size, and he is so charismatic. But his body has been through way too much.”

Ojinnaka started training for a professional wrestling career in 2012 and made his debut in 2014.

He went as far as comparing the two head honchos alluding to the fact if Gronkowski can play under coach Bill Belichick, he can play — or in this case perform — for anyone.

“Bill Belichick is the equivalent of 10 Vince McMahons mixed into one,” said Ojinnaka. “There is no one else like Belichick.”

Ojinnaka was selected by the Falcons in the fifth round of the 2006 draft. He spent four season in Atlanta before he was traded to the Patriots in 2010. He had two stints with the then-St. Louis Rams and spent a year in Indianapolis. Ojinnaka played in 62 games, earning 20 starts.

Gronkowski, who spent his entire career in New England, tallied 521 catches, 7,861 yards and 79 touchdowns in 115 career regular-season games. He exited as the Patriots' career leader in touchdowns and is tied for the second-most receiving scores in postseason history (12).

He also earned five Pro Bowl selections, four first-team All-Pro honors and the award for the 2014 NFL Comeback Player of the Year. And in the postseason, he had few peers. Gronkowski retired as the NFL's postseason leader among tight ends in catches (81), receiving yards (1,163) and receiving touchdowns (12). Only Jerry Rice has more touchdown catches in the playoffs than Gronkowski. 

 

Alexis Mansanarez