#thanks for everything dmac

[dmhunk]

DON'T TALK TO ME DEVIN RETIRED

[news-mashable-yahoopartner-blog]

Patriots and NFL players post heartfelt tributes to retiring legend Rob Gronkowski

New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski has announced his retirement from the NFL, prompting heartfelt social media posts from his teammates, other players, and fans.

The star 29-year-old tight end heralded his decision on Sunday with a lengthy post on Instagram, marking the end of a sparkling nine-year career.

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"It all started at 20 years old on stage at the NFL draft when my dream came true, and now here I am about to turn 30 in a few months with a decision I feel is the biggest of my life so far. I will be retiring from the game of football today," he wrote.

"My life experiences over the last 9 years have been amazing both on and off the field," he added. "To all my current and past teammates, thank you for making each team every year special to be apart of. I will truly miss you guys."

View this post on Instagram

It all started at 20 years old on stage at the NFL draft when my dream came true, and now here I am about to turn 30 in a few months with a decision I feel is the biggest of my life so far. I will be retiring from the game of football today. I am so grateful for the opportunity that Mr. Kraft and Coach Belichick gave to me when drafting my silliness in 2010. My life experiences over the last 9 years have been amazing both on and off the field. The people I have meet, the relationships I have built, the championships I have been apart of, I just want to thank the whole New England Patriots organization for every opportunity I have been giving and learning the great values of life that I can apply to mine. Thank you to all of Pats Nation around the world for the incredible support since I have been apart of this 1st class organization. Thank you for everyone accepting who I am and the dedication I have put into my work to be the best player I could be. But now its time to move forward and move forward with a big smile knowing that the New England Patriots Organization, Pats Nation, and all my fans will be truly a big part of my heart for rest of my life. It was truly an incredible honor to play for such a great established organization and able to come in to continue and contribute to keep building success. To all my current and past teammates, thank you for making each team every year special to be apart of. I will truly miss you guys. Cheers to all who have been part of this journey, cheers to the past for the incredible memories, and a HUGE cheers to the uncertain of whats next.

A post shared by Rob Gronkowski (@gronk) on Mar 24, 2019 at 2:53pm PDT

Gronkowski thanked the Patriots, particularly owner Robert Kraft and head coach Bill Belichick, both of whom posted their own statements on Twitter.

"Rob was a great, great teammate. His production spoke for itself, but his daily attitude, unmistakably positive energy wherever he went and toward whoever he touched will never be forgotten," read Belichick's statement.

Kraft called him "the most dominant player at his position for nearly a decade."

Statement from Bill Belichick on @RobGronkowski. pic.twitter.com/aSivcAkF3u

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) March 25, 2019

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady also took to Instagram with a tribute to his teammate, calling the last nine years playing together an "honor and privilege." 

"You accomplished so much and our team was almost unbeatable when you were on the field! Your fun-loving, inspiring, and positive energy made an impact on everybody you came into contact with!" he wrote.

"As great as a player you are, you are a better teammate and person. The NFL was a better place with you in it!"

View this post on Instagram

What an honor and privilege to play with you these past nine years @gronk! You accomplished so much and our team was almost unbeatable when you were on the field! Your fun-loving, inspiring, and positive energy made an impact on everybody you came into contact with! Not just that, but for as great as a player you are, you are a better teammate and person. The NFL was a better place with you in it! But I have no doubt you will be a success in anything you do!!! Love you pal!

A post shared by Tom Brady (@tombrady) on Mar 24, 2019 at 4:01pm PDT

Fellow Patriots such as wide receiver Julian Edelman, along with other NFL players and sports media, posted tributes on Twitter and Instagram — and some were cheekier than others.

The other goat 🐐 #gronk pic.twitter.com/FzCfT38BjR

— Julian Edelman (@Edelman11) March 24, 2019

View this post on Instagram

2010 Drafted together and now 9 years later 3x super bowl champs. Man I’ve appreciated you as a teammate and leader...fighting through everything. CONGRATS...Enjoy retirement.. #firstballot Dmac

A post shared by Jason+Devin McCourty (@mccourtytwins) on Mar 24, 2019 at 3:50pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

The best to ever do it. Congrats on a great career brotha and enjoy the next chapter!

A post shared by Rex Burkhead (@rbrex34) on Mar 24, 2019 at 4:29pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

Was an honor and privilege to play with you bro! You were a great player, great leader, great teammate and great person. Gonna miss playing with you on sundays but gonna miss you in the locker room even more. Enjoy retirement because you earned it my brotha! #GreatestTightend #FirstBallot

A post shared by Duron Harmon (@dharm21) on Mar 24, 2019 at 5:28pm PDT

Congrats on an incredible career @RobGronkowski. One of the best to ever do it. Best wishes on whatever comes next!

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) March 24, 2019

Congrats @RobGronkowski on a incredible career brotha! BEAST MODE!!!

— Chris Hogan (@ChrisHogan_15) March 25, 2019

Toast up !! @RobGronkowski 🐐#salute pic.twitter.com/f7kQl6qMOl

— Sony Michel (@Flyguy2stackz) March 24, 2019

@RobGronkowski congrats to one of the best to ever do it! So dope to see you go out on your time. Good luck on ur continued success brother! Ps u never gave me that fade back from the super bowl! 😂🤷🏾‍♂️

— Bruce Irvin (@BIrvin_WVU11) March 24, 2019

🐐 https://t.co/5ptEImqd0v

— Emmanuel Sanders (@ESanders_10) March 24, 2019

@RobGronkowski the utmost pleasure watching you dominate throughout your career. Thank you for paving the way and showing what it takes to be great!! #RESPECT

— Chief David Njoku (@David_Njoku80) March 24, 2019

An absolute honor to line up and compete against the greatest Tight End ever! Congratulations to a true professional on an amazing career! Luv #President pic.twitter.com/KK3InjvhnI

— Jamal Adams (@TheAdamsEra) March 25, 2019

Happy retirement big fella @RobGronkowski , one of the best ever TE’s

— Cris Carter (@criscarter80) March 24, 2019

thank youu for the amazing moments @RobGronkowski 🐐💯

— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) March 24, 2019

And one more from the official NFL Twitter account, featuring the man himself.

WATCH: Colin Kaepernick's new 'Icon' jersey sells out in hours

[gilligould]

tombrady: It takes a team.  And so much love. #NeverStopBelieving

glenn_gronkowski: WORLD CHAMPS

mccourtytwins: Did u miss me??????? -Dmac

23patrickchung: Reason for my being!

geneo_grissom: Dreams really can come true to those who stay true to their dreams!!!! #sb51 #houston #worldchampions

shaqdiesel_70: Means The World To Share This Moment With You 3.  Neither Of You Will Remember This But Just Know Daddy Is A World Champion!!!! #3Reasons

martellusb: Love you bro!!  Thanks for always believing in me and always loving me no matter what.  #BestBigBro @mosesbread72 We’re Champions!!! 💍💍🍾🍾🏆🏆

edelman11: #patsnation we love you!!!!!  coming home with another one! #wegotsomereallybigrings

dharm30: I got 2 rrriiiiiinnnnngggggsssss *Kevin Gates voice* 😤😤😤😤😤

_king205: Super Bowl LI Champions #loyalty #royalty #patsnation #kingb

gronk: Best ever no question asked! # 2 for me and # 5 for that guy!!

cammyjfresh: I’d like to take this opportunity to apoloize…TO ABSOLUTELY NOBODY THE DOUBLE CHAMP DOES WHATEVER THE F*** HE WANTS!!!!! #patriots #worldchamps #Super Bowl #noLI #LI @thenotoriousmma​ 

d_lucien15: “Congrats Tom”……. “Dev, we did it.  Congrats Luc” #ThatsMyDawg #HeIsTheGoat #SaySumm 

mikefloyd: #familyfirst

chrishogan_15: Can’t even describe this feeling.  I love you @ashleyboccio Chase and missy Kay.  So happy for everyone on this team, we fought to the end!  We never quit!!!!  LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! @tombrady

realkylevannoy: They say everything happens for a reason… Thank You !!! Super Bowl Champ!!!!!

money_mitch26: Belive in your dreams long enough they might just come true. #sb51 #gopats

josephthuney: SUPER BOWL LI CHAMPS!

marcuscannon61: #kurupt

sweetfeet_white28: What a indescribable feeling!  I love my teammates! #superbowl51

nink50: World Champs!!!!!!! #itsneverover #patriots

[gilligould]

tombrady: You guys might not know this, but I consider myself a bit of a loner.  I tend to think of myself as a one-man wolf pack.  But when the Patriots brought Jimmy in, I knew he was one of my own.  And my wolf pack - it grew by one, so where there two - there were two of us in the wolf pack.  I was first in the pack and then Jimmy joined in later.  And nine months ago, when the Patriots introduced me to Jimmy, I thought ‘Wait a second, could it be?’ And I knew for sure- I just added another guy to my wolf pack.  So today, I make a toast!  Blood brothers!

josephthuney: Pandemonium!  AFC Champs!  One more…

realloganryan: You been tested and you stood up.. and you still standing up #SuperBowlBound #PatsNation

nink50: AFC Champs!!!! #patriots

gronk: Tight ends baby!  @jdevelin @martellusb Them boys worked hard for this!!!

money_mitch26: TB where you headed?  “Houston”, Cool I’ll meet you there.

jimmypolo10: Houston bound baby #letsgoooo

chrishogan_15: So happy @ashleyboccio was able to come today!  So thankful for her and everyone else that came showed support from day one #chase #parker

martellusb: Thank you!

the_erob52: All my adversity I’ve been through God and my 3 go to guys has been there for me no matter what time of the day.  And they don’t just keep my head right on the field but off the field also.  Just want to tell you 3 thank you for everything and I love you guys.  I’ll see y’all back home @jermire7 @iameliroberts #IMCOMINGHOME

l_blount29: Hit em with “The Silencer” @kingjames​

mccourtytwins: When the trophy 🏆 comes ur way!!! -Dmac

edelman11: da, hogs and tb12 #goonsquad #uptop ✋🏼