Super Bowl 52: Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski hints at retirement

Ron Clements

Super Bowl 52: Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski hints at retirement image

Did Rob Gronkowski play his final game Sunday?

The Patriots tight end hinted at retirement following the 41-33 loss to the Eagles in Super Bowl 52 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

"I'm definitely going to look at my future," Gronkowski told reporters. "I'll sit down in the next couple of weeks and see where I'm at."

Gronkowski caught nine passes for 116 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's game, but has battled injuries over his career. He didn't play in last year's Super Bowl win over the Falcons because of a back injury and was knocked from this season's AFC championship game against the Jaguars with a concussion.

The 28-year-old tight end is in his eighth season and has played all 16 games in a season just once — his second year in the league. The five-time Pro Bowler has 474 career receptions for 7,179 yards and 76 touchdowns. Gronkowski's contract runs through the 2019 season — coinciding with the contract length of Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.

When asked why he would retire, Gronkowski said he wasn't "ready for these types of questions right now."

"I’m just going to sit down, I’m going to talk to my teammates," he continued. "I’m just going to reflect on the season, proud of the boys, and see what happens."

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Ron Clements