Few players create as much buzz off the field as they do on it as Rob Gronkowski. So it wasn't overly surprising to see the All-Pro tight end take matters into his own hands on Sunday evening by announcing his retirement in his own personal way – via his Instagram account.
Gronk's retirement was the talk of Patriots Nation for the rest of the weekend, and that continued on Monday.
The events were chronicled by just about every media outlet that follows the Patriots including ESPN.com, who believes the tight end is a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
The Boston Globe says Gronk retires as nothing short of a folk hero. The final playoff run was the perfect ending for Gronk.
The Boston Herald wonders how the Patriots might replace the legend. The Herald says it should be a happy day for those who care about Gronk. NBC Sports Boston says the tight end simply had nothing left to give.
The Providence Journal has some reaction from Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and Robert Kraft.
ESPN.com looks at the greatness of Gronk and what comes next for the Patriots.
The Athletic calls Gronk the rare superstar whose personality matched his performance.
NBC Sports Boston says the pickings are slim in terms of replacement tight ends available.
Boston Sports Journal believes the Gronk saga may not yet be over. Gronk's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, agrees.
One final note … while obviously overshadowed by the Gronk news, Malcolm Mitchell also announced his retirement from football over the weekend.
