Rob Gronkowski has a new gig after retiring from the NFL earlier this year. The three-time Super Bowl champion has joined Fox Sports as an NFL analyst, the network announced Tuesday morning.
The former New England Patriots tight end will make his network debut this week on “Fox NFL Thursday,” when the New England Patriots take on their old foes, the New York Giants.
“I’m extremely excited to be joining Fox Sports,” Gronkowski said. “For the past 25 years, they’ve offered viewers top-notch NFL programming from the field to the booth to the studio. Their deep talent roster is unmatched, which was important for me as I embark on this new chapter in my life because I’ll be able to learn from the best in the business.”
“We’re thrilled Rob chose Fox Sports for the next phase of his football life,” Brad Zager, executive producer and executive vice president, head of production and operations, said. “He is one of the most popular players to ever play the game and also one of the best tight ends in NFL history. His passion for the game and larger-than-life personality make him a perfect fit for Fox Sports.”
During his nine seasons in the NFL, Gronkowski recorded 521 career receptions, 7,861 receiving yards, 79 receiving touchdowns, the most 1,000-yard seasons by a tight end (four) and the most postseason receiving touchdowns (12). His 79 career touchdown catches rank him third all-time among tight ends. With a postseason record of 1,163 receiving yards, he ranks ninth all-time in postseason receiving yards, regardless of position.
The 30-year-old announced his retirement last March in an Instagram message in which he thanked the Patriots for “drafting his silliness.”
“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,” Gronkowski wrote.
“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 nine years have been amazing both on and off the field. The people I have met, the relationships I have built, the championships I have been a part 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 a part 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 it’s 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 the rest of my life.”
Since hanging up his Patriots jersey, Gronk has teamed up with CBDMEDIC to promote drug-free pain management in pro sports and launched the Stadium Blitz obstacle course challenge series with his brothers, Gordie Jnr., Dan, Chris and Glenn. The family is also very involved in aiding underprivileged children and pediatric cancer patients through the Gronk Nation Youth Foundation.
Gronkowski is repped by UTA and longtime manager, Henry Penzi.