(Bloomberg) -- Rob Gronkowski, the New England Patriots tight end and three-time Super Bowl champion, is retiring from football immediately, he told his 3.1 million Instagram followers on Sunday.
The 29-year-old Gronkowski, nicknamed "Gronk", has been with the Patriots since they drafted him from the University of Arizona in 2010. He played in the NFL's Pro Bowl five times.
"I will be retiring from the game of football today," Gronkowski said on Instagram. "It was truly an incredible honor to play for such a great established organization."
Gronkowski, a prolific pitchman for companies that include Dunkin' Brands Group Inc. and Monster Beverage Corp., which created a “Gronk” flavored energy drink in his honor, hinted over a year ago that he may soon retire after suffering various injuries, including concussions.
Tom Brady, the Patriots quarterback, responded to Gronkowski's announcement on Instagram. “You accomplished so much and our team was almost unbeatable when you were on the field!” Brady said. “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!”
To contact the reporter on this story: Lee Spears in New York at lspears3@bloomberg.net
To contact the editors responsible for this story: Lauren Berry at lberry4@bloomberg.net, Ros Krasny
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