New England Patriots star Rob Gronkowski on Tuesday vowed to return next season, quashing speculation that he might quit the NFL.
The towering tight end’s future has been the subject of intense scrutiny after he indicated he was mulling retirement in the wake of February’s Super Bowl defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
However, the 28-year-old drew a line under the conjecture on Tuesday with a post on Instagram, which revealed he had told Patriots coach Bill Belichick of his intention to play.
“I met with coach today and informed him I will be back for the 2018 season with the Pats,” Gronkowski wrote. “I have been working out, staying in shape and feel great. Looking forward to another championship run.”
Gronkowski is one of the Patriots’ most formidable offensive weapons and a favorite target of quarterback Tom Brady.
However, the tight end has suffered a laundry list of injuries during his career and was badly shaken in January by a concussion in the Patriots’ playoff win over Jacksonville.
Gronkowski had fueled the speculation he could walk away from the sport after telling reporters at the Super Bowl he intended to “look at my future for sure.”
“I’m going to sit down in the next couple of weeks and see where I’m at,” Gronkowski said in February.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen go into today’s match at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim stung from their first league defeat in 16 months. Leverkusen were beaten 3-2 at home by RB Leipzig before the international break, the first loss since May last year for the reigning league and cup champions. While any defeat, particularly against a likely title rival, would have disappointed coach Xabi Alonso, the way in which it happened would be most concerning. Just as they did in the Supercup against VfB Stuttgart and in the league opener to Borussia Moenchengladbach, Leverkusen scored first, but were pegged back. However, while Leverkusen rallied late to
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