MINNEAPOLIS (USA TODAY Sports) — New England Patriots all-pro tight end Rob Gronkowski wouldn’t commit to returning next season minutes after Sunday’s 41-33 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at Super Bowl LII.
"I'm definitely going to look at my future, for sure," Gronkowski said "I'm going to sit down in the next couple of weeks and see where I'm at."
What's next for Gronk? #SBLII pic.twitter.com/pWilvSDCKf
— NFL (@NFL) February 5, 2018Gronkowski, 28, has two years remaining on his contract and has been quarterback Tom Brady’s favorite target in recent seasons. Gronkowski was concussed in the AFC title game two weeks ago, his second concussion over a four-week span.
Asked if the concussions were a factor on him possibly retiring, he responded "no."
The most recent concussion was just the latest ailment in a career that has been plagued by injuries, including three back surgeries and torn anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments.
"I felt 100% for being a football player," Gronkowski said when asked if he was fully healthy. "That's no such thing as 100%, but I was good."
Gronkowski had nine catches for 116 yards and two touchdowns against the Eagles. The Patriots had a Super Bowl-record 613 yards and converted 29 first downs, not that Gronkowski was satisfied as New England just missed securing the franchise's sixth Super Bowl title.
"That's what it's all about, getting the victory," Gronkowski said. "I'm proud to be on this team. I'm proud of the boys. We kept fighting all year long and grinded all year long. . . . We fought all year and gave it everything that we had."
The Patriots will have to deal with changes to the coaching staff along with the usual roster changes that occur each offseason.
► PHOTOS: Super Bowl LII, Patriots vs. Eagles
Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and defensive Matt Patricia are expected to become the next head coaches of the Indianapolis Colts and the Detroit Lions, respectively.
