Gronkowski’s Amazing ‘Retirement’: W.W.E., CBD and Talk of a Return
Written by B87FM on April 22, 2020
It appeared as if we had seen the final of Gronkowski’s 6-foot-6 body lining up at tight finish when he retired after 9 seasons with the Patriots in 2019. However although he sat out final season, Gronkowski, 30, by no means formally retired. And the lure of enjoying once more with Brady, now with the Buccaneers, proved too nice.
The staff on Sunday agreed to ship a fourth-round draft decide to the Patriots in alternate for Gronkowski and a seventh-round decide.
Gronkowski didn’t spend the final 12 months quietly working in his backyard like some retirees. (That’s not too shocking from somebody who in 2016 hosted a cruise on the Gronk Party Ship, dancing shirtless deep into the evening.)
Right here’s what Gronk has been as much as.
2019: The Final Catch, CBD Pitchman, Hints of Return
Feb. 3 Gronkowski goes out on a excessive word, catching six passes for 87 yards within the Patriots’ 13-3 Super Bowl victory over the Rams. “I’ll let you know this,” Gronkowski says, “it was probably the most satisfying 12 months I’ve ever been part of. How we got here collectively, the obstacles we needed to overcome, the grind from the start of coaching camp to now, it’s simply surreal.”
March 24 Gronkowski announces his retirement at age 29. He had hinted for a number of years that the grind of the league was sporting down his physique. “It’s time to maneuver ahead, and transfer ahead with an enormous smile, realizing that the New England Patriots group, Pats Nation and all my followers will probably be actually an enormous a part of my coronary heart for the remainder of my life,” he says in an announcement.
Aug. 27: With the N.F.L. season approaching, Gronkowski says he does not miss football, tearing up whereas speaking in regards to the ache the game inflicted on him through the years. But he doesn’t fully rule out a attainable return, saying solely that he “didn’t see it within the foreseeable future, in like per week or a month.”
He additionally says: “In my 20s I used to exit on a regular basis and go arduous. I imply — come on — I’m not hiding it. However I’ve undoubtedly reduce massively again on that.”
He made the remarks at a information convention selling a cannabis-based ache reduction lotion.
Oct. 8 Gronkowski makes his debut as a soccer analyst for Fox Sports activities. He gets strong reviews for not making an attempt to cover his goofy character to mix in with the usually buttoned-down commentators. In one in every of his extra remarked-upon feedback, he compares his former teammate Julian Edelman to a squirrel: “Each time he will get an opportunity, he will get that nut similar to he will get a primary down.”
Oct. 25 Gronkowski hints {that a} attainable return to the league could be contingent upon it permitting gamers to make use of marijuana merchandise. “I don’t wish to be banned from enjoying the game I like as a result of I’m utilizing a product that anybody should buy proper off the shelf at their native pharmacy,” he says at a news conference.
2020: “The Masked Singer,” Professional Wrestling, N.F.L. Return
Feb. 2 For the primary time in 4 years, the Patriots fail to make the Super Bowl, shedding to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs within the A.F.C. championship recreation. Earlier within the week, Gronkowski is noticed partying with followers in Miami.
On the identical day. Gronkowski makes his debut on “The Masked Singer,” performing “Ice Ice Baby” in a white tiger costume. He continues in future episodes with “Good Vibrations” and “We Will Rock You” earlier than being eradicated in ninth place on April 1 after his efficiency of “I’m Too Attractive.” He in some way finishes forward of Dionne Warwick and Chaka Khan.
March 15 Although there is no such thing as a indication that Gronkowski is an element, the N.F.L. and its union comply with loosen the rules on gamers utilizing marijuana. Gamers who take a look at constructive will not be suspended, and testing will probably be restricted to the primary two weeks of coaching camp.
April 5-6 Gronkowski, who usually spoke of his love for skilled wrestling, hosts WrestleMania 36, and likewise wins a title there. On Saturday, Mojo Rawley foils Gronkowski’s efforts to win the 24/7 belt, however on Sunday, Gronkowski jumps from his announcer’s platform to pin Rawley and declare the title.
Monday Gronkowski participates in a freewheeling, sometimes ribald interview on “Watch What Occurs Dwell” on Bravo and hints at a return. “I’m feeling good proper now, I’m comfortable the place I’m at. And also you simply by no means know, man. You simply by no means know. You by no means know. I’m not completely performed.”
Quickly after, he makes it official.
Wednesday Brady posts a video of himself blowing a horn. Gronkowski runs up, trying a little bit winded and says, “A bit drained, however Gronk reporting.” Buccaneers followers, already excited in regards to the coming season, have another excuse to cheer.
