Rob Gronkowski wanted to end his career where it began.

That led to the three-time Super Bowl champion signing a ceremonial one-day contact on Wednesday to retire a member of the New England Patriots.

“This means a lot to me, big time, because I’m a New England Patriot. I’m a Patriot for life,” Gronkowski said. “My career started here, and 100 percent needed to end here. There’s no doubt about that.”

Gronkowski and the organization had previous plans to sign a one-day contract before the tight end eventually enters the team’s Hall of Fame. Those plans changed to allow Gronkowski to honor his long-time friend and local philanthropist, Susan Hurley.

As Gronkowski unveiled a new playground in Boston last August, in which he donated $1.8 million, Hurley asked to make it officially and reti

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