Rob Gronkowski Sends Heartfelt Message To David Ortiz As Slugger Retires

The bond is strong between Gronk and Big Papi.

Rob Gronkowski joined a multitude of athletes in congratulating David Ortiz on his retirement Tuesday, one day after the Boston Red Sox slugger played his final Major League Baseball game. Gronkowski and Ortiz have developed a unique friendship in recent years, which the New England Patriots tight end highlighted in his heartfelt Instagram post.

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Congratulations to Big Papi @davidortiz on an outstanding career that he has had! It was an honor and pleasure to work with one of the best hitters of all time shooting silly @dunkindonuts music video commercials that will always live on! You have done it so many years with so much consistency playing at a high level every time you took the plate shows how much work and dedication you put into the game that you love. Nothing but respect. Congrats!! Enjoy retirement my friend, you deserve it big time. #bigpapi #legend #mlb #greenmonster #fenwaypark #davidortiz

A post shared by Rob Gronkowski (@gronk) on Oct 11, 2016 at 8:31am PDT

Ortiz spent 14 seasons with the Red Sox, while Gronkowski is in the midst of his seventh season with the Patriots. Both will go down in Boston sports lore for their contributions on and off the field.

Thumbnail photo via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images