Rob Gronkowski: New England Patriots legend fulfills his friend’s dying wish

Rob Gronkowski fulfilled his friend’s dying wish by signing a one-day contract with the New England Patriots, nearly four years after his final NFL appearance, in order to retire with the team.

The 36-year-old won three Super Bowls alongside star quarterback Tom Brady during his eight-year tenure with the Patriots.

Gronkowski retired in 2019, but came out of retirement to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers alongside Brady for two more seasons, winning Florida’s fourth championship ring.

But “The Gronk” is best known for his time in New England, and there are plans to induct him into the Patriots Hall of Fame in 2026.

Since leaving the team, Gronkowski has continued to work with charities in the greater Boston area.

But earlier this month, Gronkowski’s charity partner, Susan Hurley, a former Patriots cheerleader who founded CharityTeams in 2008, died of cancer.

Before her death, Hurley publicly requested that Gronkowski return to the Patriots so he could officially retire at his “home.”