Rob Gronkowski has technically retired from the NFL twice. His first retirement was in March 2019, and his second (and final playing-career retirement) was announced on June 21, 2022.

Quick Scoop: When did Gronk retire?

  • Rob Gronkowski first announced his retirement from the NFL on March 24, 2019, after nine seasons with the New England Patriots.
  • He came back in 2020 to play with Tom Brady on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and then announced his second retirement on June 21, 2022.
  • In a ceremonial move, he later signed a one-day contract on November 12, 2025, to officially retire as a member of the New England Patriots, but this did not change his 2022 playing-retirement date.

So if someone on a forum asks “when did Gronk retire,” the usual answer for his playing career is June 21, 2022, with a bonus note that he had an earlier retirement in 2019 and a ceremonial Pats retirement in 2025.

TL;DR:

  • First retirement: March 24, 2019 (Patriots).
  • Came back in 2020 (Buccaneers).
  • Final NFL retirement: June 21, 2022.
  • One-day contract to retire a Patriot: November 12, 2025 (ceremonial).

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.