Athletes, celebrities react to Rob Gronkowski's retirement

Rob Gronkowski announced his retirement in an Instagram post on Sunday evening and it was followed by a flood of reaction from teammates, other athletes and celebrities.

It all started at 20 years old on stage at the NFL draft when my dream came true, and now here I am about to turn 30 in a few months with a decision I feel is the biggest of my life so far. I will be retiring from the game of football today. I am so grateful for the opportunity that Mr. Kraft and Coach Belichick gave to me when drafting my silliness in 2010. My life experiences over the last 9 years have been amazing both on and off the field. The people I have meet, the relationships I have built, the championships I have been apart of, I just want to thank the whole New England Patriots organization for every opportunity I have been giving and learning the great values of life that I can apply to mine. Thank you to all of Pats Nation around the world for the incredible support since I have been apart of this 1st class organization. Thank you for everyone accepting who I am and the dedication I have put into my work to be the best player I could be. But now its time to move forward and move forward with a big smile knowing that the New England Patriots Organization, Pats Nation, and all my fans will be truly a big part of my heart for rest of my life. It was truly an incredible honor to play for such a great established organization and able to come in to continue and contribute to keep building success. To all my current and past teammates, thank you for making each team every year special to be apart of. I will truly miss you guys. Cheers to all who have been part of this journey, cheers to the past for the incredible memories, and a HUGE cheers to the uncertain of whats next.

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A post shared by Rob Gronkowski (@gronk) on Mar 24, 2019 at 2:53pm PDT

Gronkowski's model girlfriend, Camille Kostek, commented on the post, saying, "Words can't express how proud I am of you. It has been an absolute thrill watching you perform like no other out on that field. You are the best that has ever played the game if you ask me! I love you with all my heart! I will be your biggest fan in all that you do!"

Tom Brady also commented, saying, "Love u man!! The (goat emoji)!! Couldn't be a better person or teammate!!!!"

Tom Brady on his now *former* teammate. #Gronk #7News pic.twitter.com/l76iuA1uNC

— Justin Dougherty (@DoughertyJC) March 24, 2019

Brady also paid tribute to Gronkowski in his own Instagram post:

What an honor and privledge to play with you these past nine years @gronk! You accomplished so much and our team was almost unbeatable when you were on the field! Your fun-loving, inspiring, and positive energy made an impact on everybody you came into contact with! Not just that, but for as great as a player you are, you are a better teammate and person. The NFL was a better place with you in it! But I have no doubt you will be a success in anything you do!!! Love you pal!

A post shared by Tom Brady (@tombrady) on Mar 24, 2019 at 4:01pm PDT

Many others reacted to the news on social media:

The other goat -- #gronk pic.twitter.com/FzCfT38BjR

— Julian Edelman (@Edelman11) March 24, 2019

Congratulations @gronk the best TE to ever play the game!!!Incredible football player but even better person/teammate. I will always cherish the laughs and the pain we caused each other in One on Ones. We were smarter at the end (acting like we were going hard) You went out on top and on your terms, nothing better!!! Congrats Champ!! #goldjacketsoon #beast #gronk #champ

A post shared by Robert Ninkovich (@nink50) on Mar 24, 2019 at 3:19pm PDT

Congrats to my brother @RobGronkowski on retirement. Best to ever play the position in @NFL history. Proud of your career and even more proud to be your friend.It's about to get really wild now. The best is yet to come!

— Dean Muhtadi (@MojoRawleyWWE) March 24, 2019

Congratulations go out to @RobGronkowski on his retirement from the NFL and a fantastic career! pic.twitter.com/NN7pEEifbv

— WWE (@WWE) March 24, 2019

Congrats on an incredible career @RobGronkowski. One of the best to ever do it. Best wishes on whatever comes next!

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) March 24, 2019

Huge congrats to @RobGronkowski.Absolutely legendary career on the field. He changed the game, did it his way, and took care of his family the entire time.Excited to see what big cuzzie does next. pic.twitter.com/auf3xIdm3H

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 24, 2019

thank youu for the amazing moments @RobGronkowski ----

— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) March 24, 2019

The fiesta will last forever.Thank you, @RobGronkowski! pic.twitter.com/pERReVc0Bq

— Wally (@Wally97) March 24, 2019

Congratulations on an outstanding career @Patriots @RobGronkowski! Perhaps we will see you in a few years... pic.twitter.com/qz9POoMXU7

— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) March 24, 2019