Is Rob Gronkowski's NFL Career Over After Super Bowl LIII?

Coming off the worst statistical season of his career, the rumors about Rob Gronkowski retiring after the Super Bowl started as soon as the New England Patriots qualified to play in the game.

At media night on Monday, Gronkowski didn’t simply shoot the retirement talk down and admitted the thought had at least crossed his mind.

But, in typical Patriots fashion, Gronkowski, who will be 30 by the time next season starts, emphasized his focus was on the week ahead, not the decisions he will have to make once it is over.

“As of right now, that’s one of the last things I’m thinking about,” Gronkowski told Yahoo Sports. “I love playing the game … A few weeks down the road, you relax, you get some downtime, enjoyment time and you just see where you want to go with it. I haven’t got that far. This is a huge week, Super Bowl week. That’s the last thing I’m thinking about. Just gotta keep on grinding.”

Pressed by ESPN, Gronk offered a timetable on when he’d make his decision.

“That’s a tricky question,” he said. “You’re trying to get around me. You’re just trying to get you some answers over there, baby. But, like I said, I don’t know. I haven’t done that sit-down yet. I’ve got to do that sit-down. About two weeks after [the season]. Then I’ll know.”

Whatever he decides, Gronkowski will likely have a second career in entertainment as a wrestler or actor once his days on the football field are done.

As he showed on Monday, even if his moves on the football field have slowed, they are perfectly fine off of it.