New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski had dealt with serious injury issues all season, but that didn’t prevent him from suiting up and making an impact in Super Bowl LIII.
However, Gronk took some additional punishment on Sunday, including a brutal shot to his legs after making a catch on third-and-long in the second quarter. After the hit, the Patriots tight end was noticeably limping, but he chose to waive off head trainer Jim Whalen anyway.
Gronkowski returned to the game shortly thereafter, finishing with six receptions for 87 yards, but acknowledged in the locker-room during the team’s celebration that he could “barely walk.”
“Yeah, my quad. It hurts a lot. I can barely walk right now,” Gronkowski said via WEEI Radio. “Adrenaline is flowing throughout the game. It’s the Super Bowl. I’ve had had these quad shots about four times now. Probably won’t be able to walk that good tomorrow.
“But it’s all good. We’re Super Bowl champs.”
Gronkowski went on to say that 2018 was the “most satisfying” year of his professional career, but refused to commit to a return in 2019. Instead, Gronk said he would make a decision on his retirement in the coming weeks.
