Gronkowski to Retire as Patriot via One-Day Contract

Rob Gronkowski, the celebrated tight end who helped lead the New England Patriots to three Super Bowl victories, will sign a one-day ceremonial contract with the team on Wednesday to officially retire as a member of the franchise.

The 36-year-old Gronkowski announced his plans during an appearance on FOX NFL Sunday's pregame show ahead of the Patriots' Week 10 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the team where he spent his final two seasons. "Here's some news first, everyone," Gronkowski said. "I am signing a one-day contract with the Patriots this week coming up to retire as a Patriot and be a Patriot for life, just like all of you out here." The Patriots confirmed the event Monday via social media, stating that Gronkowski, widely regarded as the greatest tight end in NFL history, would sign at 12:15 p.m. ET and that the ceremony would be broadcast live on their digital platforms.

Gronkowski's decision caps a career that spanned 11 NFL seasons, nine of them with New England after the team selected him in the second round of the 2010 draft out of the University of Arizona. Despite early concerns over durability stemming from multiple back surgeries, including one during...