FOXBOROUGH – Rob Gronkowski hasn’t played in the NFL in four years, but he’s always wanted to end his career where it began.

The three-time Patriots Super Bowl champion hoped to sign a 1-day contract with the organization before entering the team’s Hall of Fame. Instead, those plans changed to honor his longtime friend, Susan Hurley.

Hurley passed away on Nov. 1 after a battle with ovarian cancer. The local philanthropist told Gronkowski this summer, while the tight end unveiled a new playground in Boston , she hoped he’d sign a 1-day contract to retire as a Patriot.

On Wednesday, Gronkowski granted his friend’s wish.

“We are 100% here today for her,” Gronkowski said. “No doubt about that... When I first met her and she gave me the opportunity to get bibs to the Boston Marathon a

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