As of writing, it’s still uncertain whether tight end Rob Gronkowski will play for a 12th NFL season.
He remains a free agent through voluntary minicamp and his return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers isn’t guaranteed.
But if he decides to hang up his cleats for good, he will have one of the most successful careers in the league. He won four Super Bowls in ten years and made four First-Team All-Pro teams.
Gronkowski is also a five-time Pro Bowler and is part of the league’s 100th-anniversary all-time team.
The former Arizona standout also holds the NFL record for most receiving touchdowns by a tight end in a season with 17.
Most touchdowns prior to age-33 season among TE
(incl. postseason)Rob Gronkowski* 108
Antonio Gates 84
Tony Gonzalez 78
Jimmy Graham 78
Travis Kelce* 72*2022 would be age-33 season pic.twitter.com/zb1frW285r
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) June 14, 2022
The 33-year-old athlete also has the most 100-yard games among tight ends with 32. However, there’s one record to his credit that might prove to be unbreakable.
The NFL on CBS Twitter account listed the tight ends with the most touchdowns before their 33rd birthday. Gronkowski leads the pack by a mile with 108 while Antonio Gates is second with 84.
Tony Gonzalez and Jimmy Graham are tied at 78 while Travis Kelce has 72. He would own this record for a while because it’s difficult to see Kelce tallying 36 touchdowns in 2022 to force a tie.
Gronkowski Is A First-Ballot Hall Of Famer
Only he knows when he would like to retire for good. He’s done it once but chose to return in 2020 when Tom Brady joined the Buccaneers.
Gronkowski was one of the people Brady persuaded to join Tampa Bay and that decision added another ring for him.
It would be better to see him play a few more years because he still has gas in his tank. If he decides to come back, will he remain with Brady as he did throughout his career?
Or will he test the waters and join another team? Only one thing is certain regardless of his decision. His place in Canton is already waiting.
