(CNN)Rob Gronkowski, a four-time Super Bowl champion tight end who spent 11 seasons in the NFL with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, announced his retirement on social media on Tuesday.
Gronkowski is retiring for the second time in his NFL career, having previously hung up his cleats in New England after playing for the Patriots from 2010 to 2018, then returning in 2020 to play two seasons with the Buccaneers.
"I want to thank the entire first class Buccaneers organization for an amazing ride, trusting me to come back to play and help create a championship team," Gronkowski, 33, posted on social media. I'll be returning to my retirement home and walking away from football with my head held high, knowing that every time I stepped out on the field, I gave it everything I had, good or bad.
"The friendships and relationships I've formed will last a lifetime, and I'm grateful to each and every one of my teammates and coaches for giving it their all as well." Thank you to everyone who helped me get back into football and win another championship after retirement, and now I'm back to chilling out."
Gronkowski was a member of four Super Bowl-winning teams in his 11 NFL seasons, three with the Patriots and one with the Buccaneers.
"Rob is a true professional who has left it all on the field for us the past two seasons and has helped foster a championship culture in our building," stated Tampa Bay GM Jason Licht.
Gronkowski has the most career receptions by a tight end and the most receiving yards by a tight end in Super Bowl history.
Despite playing slightly less games (143) than Gates (236) and Gonzalez (111), Gronkowski's 92 career receiving touchdowns rank third in NFL history among tight ends, behind only Antonio Gates' 116 and Tony Gonzalez's 111. (270).
Gronkowski has spent every season of his NFL career alongside Tom Brady as his quarterback. With 90 touchdown passes in the regular season, the combo is the second most productive touchdown passing/catching partnership in NFL history, trailing only Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison's 112 touchdown completions.
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