On Sunday afternoon, Rob Gronkowski put an end to more than a year of speculation when he officially announced his retirement from the NFL. He leaves an enormous void behind as the New England Patriots’ premier offensive weapon of the last nine years — one that will enter the Hall of Fame on the basis of an outstanding career; one that saw Gronkowski set or tie multiple league records.
Let’s take a look at the 14 that carry his name at the time of his retirement (via Sports Illustrated):
Most receiving yards by a tight end in Super Bowl history (297)
Most career postseason receiving yards by a tight end (1,163)
Most receiving touchdowns by a tight end in a single season (17)
Most touchdowns by a tight end in a single season (18)
Most career postseason touchdowns by a tight end (12)
Most seasons with 10+ touchdowns by a tight end (5)
Most consecutive seasons with 10+ touchdowns by a tight end (3)
Youngest player with 3 touchdown receptions in a game (21 years, 184 days)
Youngest player with 3 touchdown receptions in a playoff game (22 years, 275 days)
Only tight end to have three seasons with 10+ touchdowns and 1,000+ yards
Only tight end to lead the league in receiving touchdowns (2011)
Only tight end with 1,000+ career postseason receiving yards
Furthermore, Gronkowski shares two records with other players
Most seasons of 1,000+ receiving yards by a tight end (4; t-Tony Gonzalez, Jason Witten)
Furthermore, Gronkowski will become the youngest tight end — and second youngest player ever behind Gale Sayers — to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.