Tom Brady’s Instagram Post Thanking Rob Gronkowski Will Make You Emotional

Sunday scarries hit a whole new level for New England Patriots fans this weekend.

In a move that Pats fans feared was looming for some time, Rob Gronkowski announced his retirement from the NFL in a lengthy Instagram post thanking the Patriots, his teammates and fans.

The post quickly was flooded with comments from teammates and other celebrities congratulating the likely Canton-bound tight end on an incredible nine-year career, including Tom Brady.

But the Pats quarterback didn’t stop there. Brady posted his own image of Gronk in an emotional post, saying “the NFL was a better place with you in it!”

View this post on Instagram

What an honor and privilege 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

Is it us or is it a little dusty in here?

Gronkowski’s retirement has to be pretty bittersweet for Brady. On one hand, Brady clearly is thrilled for his friend and teammate to be taking the next step in his life, and doing so on his own terms. On the flip side, Brady and the Pats lose a great locker room presence and a player that seemingly is irreplaceable on the field when he is on his game.

Gronkowski hauled in 79 regular-season touchdown passes over his nine-year career, including 12 in the postseason with nearly all of them coming from No. 12.

It’s a connection that Patriots fans — and Brady — will miss greatly.