Rob Gronkowski has formally retired as a member of the Patriots, fulfilling the request from his late pal Susan Hurley — a New England philanthropist who he partnered with to create Gronk Playground in Boston.
In August, Gronkowski and Hurley achieved a milestone after they opened up the absolutely ADA-accessible park, designed for kids of all ages and talents, on the Esplanade alongside the Charles River.
On the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Hurley — a North Studying native who based CharityTeams, a small enterprise that helps nonprofits increase funds by athletic occasions — made an attraction to her pal and Patriots proprietor Robert Kraft.
“This generous gift of $1.8 million shows [Gronk’s] deep connection to New England and proves that his heart will be forever in Foxboro. And I’m going out on a limb here. Now, can we just make it official and sign him for a day so he can retire as a Patriot,” Hurley requested on the Aug. 19 occasion.
Practically three months later, on a chilly, autumn day in Foxboro, Kraft fulfilled Hurley’s request. The beloved, affectionate fan favourite signed a one-day ceremonial contract at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday, formally driving into the sundown as a Patriot.
Kraft, introducing the person of the hour, mentioned he meant to supply Gronkowski the chance to retire as a Patriot subsequent yr, when the four-time Tremendous Bowl champion is eligible for the Patriots Corridor of Fame.
However tragedy struck earlier this month, when Hurley died on the age of 62 on Nov. 1 from ovarian most cancers.
“We decided to call an audible because of Susan’s request and fulfill it right away,” Kraft advised reporters. “So, thank you, Susan.”
Hurley was largely on Gronk’s thoughts through the ceremony. A minute into his remarks, after signing the contract, Gronkowski recounted how he cast his bond and partnership with the world philanthropist, who was a cheerleader for the Patriots in her 20s.
The thought for the playground, Gronkowski mentioned, sparked after he performed his remaining recreation with the Patriots, defeating the Rams in Tremendous Bowl LIII in February 2019, and initially retired. He wished to provide again to the town of Boston and contacted Hurley instantly.
Gronkowski donated $1.8 million for the undertaking by his Gronk Nation Youth Basis, a nonprofit group he based whereas with the Patriots, specializing in retaining youngsters wholesome and lively.
“It’s a full circle moment with it opening up,” Gronkowski mentioned of the playground. “It happened at the right time for the right reason. … Susan, while we were there, brought up, like Mr. Kraft said, ‘I would love to see you retire as a Patriot.’”
“We are 100% here today for her, no doubt about that,” he added.
Hurley had been to Massachusetts Basic Hospital’s Ellison constructing seven instances since Might as she battled stage 4 most cancers, wanting down on the playground, questioning if she’d make it to see the park formally open.
“And here I am,” Hurley mentioned in August.
In his opening remarks on Wednesday, Kraft mentioned of Hurley, “Although she won’t be with us physically, she’ll be with us spiritually, and we believe she’s in our presence now.”
Gronkowski received three Tremendous Bowls with the Patriots and legendary quarterback Tom Brady earlier than the dynamic duo received their fourth collectively in Tampa Bay. Gronk posted 521 receptions for 7,861 yards and 80 touchdowns in New England.
“I’m a Patriot for life,” Gronkowski mentioned on Wednesday. “The whole Gronk persona was all because of you guys, the fans. Everything established about my football career was all about being here.”
