It's been a while since he actually took the field.
But on Wednesday, Rob Gronkowski was a member of the New England Patriots for one last time.
The legendary tight end signed a one-day contract and retired with the Pats. It marks the official end to an all-time great NFL career.
Gronk hasn't played in the NFL since the 2021 season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but he had yet to officially retire. He's been doing work for Fox Sports while also getting involved in a number of other commercial ventures.
Gronkowski certainly is one of the best tight ends ever. In his 11-year career, Gronk had 621 catches for 9,286 yards and 92 touchdowns.
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He previously retired once before, not playing during the 2019 season, but then he joined Tom Brady with the Bucs for Gronk's final two campaigns.
Gronkowski won four Super Bowl rings, was a five-time Pro Bowler, made the Hall of Fame's All-2010s team and was the 2014 Comeback Player of the Year.
The big tight end grew up not far from Buffalo, but he spent most of his career shining elsewhere in the AFC East.
There may never be another tight end with the sheer size and physicality that Gronk had combined with a freakish athleticism and gracefulness that belied a man of his stature.
Brady won before Gronkowski arrived, but their partnership gave Brady a second wind in his career.
Now, Gronk and his signature touchdown spike are officially done in the NFL.
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