Patriots Legend Rob Gronkowski Retires
All-star New England Patriots Tight End Rob Gronkowski, famous for his skill and boisterous personality, announced his retirement from the National Football League on Monday via Instagram. In his nine years with the Patriots, Gronkowski has won three Super Bowls and reached five Pro Bowls despite of several significant injuries.
In his post, Gronkowski thanked the Patriots fans and organization over the past few years. He went on to express an uncertain optimism about his future and that of the Patriots organization at-large: “HUGE cheers to the uncertain of what’s next,” Gronkowski said.
Reactions to his announcement on campus varied wildly. Some, for instance, appeared unfamiliar with the player. “Who’s that? Is that a teacher or something?” asked upper Charlie Preston. After being told that Gronkowski was a Patriots football player, he corrected his mistaken recollection. “Oh yeah, I love him,” he said.
Members of the sizeable anti-Patriots community on campus reacted as well, generally pleased that a strong player had left the organisation.“I want the Patriots to suck, so I’m happy about this,” said lower Paul Rogers in a strange combination of a dig on the Patriots and compliment to Gronkowski.
When told about the retirement, others merely cheered.“Yay,” said prep Braden Tingle, declining further comment.
Still Patriots opponents reacted sarcastically, including senior Sam Willman. “It’s blasphemy,” he said. “All I wanted to see is another spike.”
Within the equally-sizeable group of Patriots fans on campus, reactions were a mixture between disappointment, understanding and fear. Among them, lower Maddy Lembo expressed distraught upon finding out the news. “Wait, what?,” they said. “Wait, really? Oh, we’re screwed.”
Even more distraught, some reacted quite strongly to the revelation, if somewhat sarcastically. “That’s not OK,” said lower Colin Vernett. “That’s far from OK. My childhood is destroyed.”
Others were still processing their tumultuous emotions in its wake. “I’m sad. That’s all I have to say,” said lower Frankie Getman, when pressed for comment.
Faculty members expressed mixed emotions. One such faculty member chose to remain anonymous, criticizing Gronkowski for retiring before free agency, the period where teams can sign up: “I wish players would make these decisions at the end of the previous season, so that teams can better prepare to replace them and move on. I’m disappointed. He was fun to watch, but I’m sure we’ll see him again and again,” they said.
Others expressed relief that Gronkowski was giving himself a rest, citing the health concerns that have at times plagued his career. “It’s very nice to see a professional football player that cares about his physical and overall mental health consider retiring early to preserve his well-being,” said Athletics Department Chair William Glennon, after pretending to deny his knowledge of Gronkowski on several occasions.
Looking forward for the Patriots, they will be attempting to repeat their championship-winning season next year, after making several moves over the offseason, including a trade for pass-rusher Michael Bennett and the signing of running back Brandon Bolden, who used to play for the team. They will still have several obstacles to overcome, however, especially in light of Gronkowski’s retirement and the departure of defensive end Trey Flowers.