Rob Gronkowski Leaves Door Open for NFL Return But His Big Announcement Was Advocacy for CBD
By Jerry Trotta
To call this a tease to the New England Patriots patrons, and to the common football fan in general, wouldn't even begin to describe this story's potential.
Rob Gronkowski was scheduled to make a BIG announcement at a press conference Tuesday morning, and the optimistic fan in us was hoping he would proclaim that he'd be returning to the NFL.
Unfortunately, however, that wasn't the case. The former All-Pro tight end actually announced his involvement in a CBD (Cannabidiol) company. In doing so, he will campaign for the use of CBD products in the NFL as well as other professional leagues.
At a @cbdmedic_pharma press conference in NYC, ex-#Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski comes out as a CBD advocate: “I’m here to appeal to the sports governing bodies to update their positions on CBD (so it can be) used by all players. ... For the first time in a decade, I’m pain-free.” pic.twitter.com/DClum5mbe2
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 27, 2019
Gronk will be partnering with Abacus Health Products, an organization behind the production of a commodity of CBD products called CBDMEDIC.
Rumors have been surfacing of the four-time Pro-Bowler appearing on ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" with longtime girlfriend Camille Kostek. Some murmurs even suggested that he would pursue a career in the WWE because of his protracted fandom and relationship with the sport.
As it turns out, neither came to fruition. But this epic letdown did not come and go without a compelling component and narrative: Gronk did not rule out a return to football.
Former #Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski insists “I didn’t retire from life.” When asked if he could come back, he says “not in the foreseeable future,” but he says he needs that fire “week-in and week-out.” If he feels good enough — and he’s not there yet — he didn’t rule it out. pic.twitter.com/WU2jtuSGiL
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 27, 2019
Though he did say the sport was "bringing him down."
Rob Gronkowski, tearing up, on his retirement: “Football had me down. I didn’t like it.” pic.twitter.com/RsmJOCuN0B
— Avery Yang (@avery_yang) August 27, 2019
It may not have been the announcement that thousands of fans were hankering to hear, but Gronk did leave a sliver of hope out there for those itching to see him catching passes from Tom Brady.
That's something, right?