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Is this the last season for Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski in the NFL?

FOXBORO, MA. - JULY 30: Patriots Rob Gronkowski smiles for a fan during practice Photo By Faith Ninivaggi/Boston Herald)

Will this be Gronkowski’s last season?

We’ve reached December in the NFL season. The playoffs are right around the corner. For the Patriots, they’ve only lost four games in the month of December since 2001 that’s an insane stat. Tom Brady still performs at a high level even though he’s 41 and never misses any games. If there’s a chance he’ll play he’s going to. As for the tight end Rob Gronkowski that’s a different story. He’s been on and off the injury report this season with his ankle and back. An ESPN report on Sunday said he’s not happy with the Patriot way again. Could this be his last season?

Questions about Gronkowski’s future

Via Boston Globe

We heard this last year around the same time. The tight end was contemplating retirement and wanted to possibly be looking at an acting career after the Super Bowl. However, he announced he would be back after the motocross press conference in April talking about dirtbikes. Gronkowski got an incentive-based contract for 2018 and so far he’s not reaching it.

Injuries have always hindered him

Aug 11, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during pregame warmups prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

The guy is so big, he’s hard to bring down and it takes him a lot to prepare his body for games. Last season, he started going to TB12 for treatment which seemed to help, but he’s still injury prone. He’s had back issues since he’s been in the league, but one more big hit could be the end of his football career.

Rumors are swirling that he could be done at the end of the season. In my opinion, I wouldn’t be surprised if he did retire. He’s got two Super Bowls, played with the best quarterback of all time, and was a huge asset to the Patriots offense.