An NFL star has signed a one-day contract with the New England Patriots to retire as one of the franchise's greatest ever players.
The Patriots have been one of the most dominant NFL teams over the past decade, winning the Super Bowl in 2015, 2017, and 2019.
Although they are not among the favourites to reach the Super Bowl this year, they have made a strong start to the season.
The Patriots have won eight of their opening ten games and are currently on a seven-game winning streak.
Advert
Their impressive form has led some fans to wonder whether they could make an unexpected push for another title.
One player who was central to their success throughout the 2010s was Rob Gronkowski, who recently signed a one-day contract before officially announcing his retirement.
The move ensured he retired as a 'Patriot', with a press conference held to celebrate his outstanding career.
Advert
During the event, Patriots owner Robert Kraft joked about Gronkowski returning for one final game.
Kraft said: “Since we play the Jets tomorrow, how about a two-day contract?”
Gronkowski replied: "Let’s do it! What’s the signing bonus?!”
Kraft joked: "Nothing has changed."
Advert
Gronkowski originally joined the Patriots in 2010 as a second-round draft pick.
He quickly became a fan favourite, with supporters drawn to his personality and his dominance as one of the best tight ends in the league.
Gronkowski went on to spend the first nine years of his career with the Patriots, winning three Super Bowls before initially retiring in March 2019.
Advert
He returned the following year, but was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he won another Super Bowl, before retiring for a second time in 2022.
Gronkowski revealed that his decision to sign a one-day contract with the Patriots was inspired by former Patriots cheerleader and philanthropist Susan Hurley.
Hurley, who recently died from cancer, requested Gronkowski to retire as a Patriot.
After her death, Gronkowski said it was a 'no-brainer' to honour her wish.
Advert
Former New England quarterback Brian Hoyer also praised Gronkowski in an interview with The Post on behalf of DraftKings.
He said: "I think there was a big part of it because there was this woman who helped with his charitable foundation.
"And her last request before she passed away – she sadly passed away from cancer – was ‘I want to have Rob sign that one-day contract and retire as a Patriot.’
"So he fulfilled that. It was great. Mr. Kraft was there and said a lot of great things.”
Topics: NFL, Super Bowl
James Taylor