After the Super Bowl loss, a reporter found All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski and asked him what were his plans for next year. He responded with “Who told you about that?” Now I know one day I hope to work for the media as a reporter or an analyst but I also know how to read a room especially after a defeat.

The first thing you never do is ask someone a question like that and instead ask them something such as “Where do you as a person go from this?” Despite this reporter’s negligence, this got me thinking about Gronk as a person. While he is only 28 years old he has had many injuries, injuries can add up in a short timeframe. There are two seasons where he has only started and played 6 games but when he was on the field with them, the Patriots were a completely different team. Now I can talk about what Gronk means as an athlete but there’s something else he brings to the table.

Think about your friend group and how everyone brings a different quality to an event. Someone might be funny or someone might be caring. Rob Gronkowski is the person who brings extra personality to the friend group. The Patriots organization isn’t known for being a fun football team and even with the new celebration rule being implemented you never really saw the Patriots shed away from being the serious powerhouse.

Gronk brought that sense of fun to the NFL and while people can say that Gronk is just a party boy I have also learned how serious he is about his career. 2017 was a make or break year for Gronk. After being placed on Injured Reserve last year he worked on his diet and began working with trainers so he could play back to his strength before his surgeries. He stopped partying as much and focused more on his body. Now we don’t know about all the work athletes put in but for Gronk to stop something he is known for and turn to a new page is huge and shows how serious he is about football.

Rob Gronkowski is one of my favorite players because he has the never-give-up mentality. He had multiple surgeries throughout his pro football career and he worked hard to get back to full strength. While it is common for athletes to have a never-give-up mentality we also see it in other people as well. Growing up I was rejected so often that there were times I should’ve just given up but like Gronk I went on with my life and worked hard to get where I am. While I have never had any major surgeries like him I know that the amount of work Gronk has done to get back to his form is something we all need to take note of.

It is always tough to see a favorite football player retire but we also have to learn to understand it. I know that Tom Brady will retire soon and we will remember all the accolades he accomplished. I know, personally, I am not ready for Gronk to leave because he has done so many things outside of his football career that has made him lovable. I respect your decision Rob Gronkowski and I know it is for the best.

Just know that every New England Patriots fan has appreciated everything you have done for the past 8 years and I hope you think long about your future but just know you have all of Patriots nation behind you.