Former Arizona star Rob Gronkowski announces retirement from football

Former Arizona Wildcats star tight end and three-time Super Bowl champion Rob Gronkowski announced his retirement from football on Sunday on Instagram.

Gronkowski, 29, said it was time for him to move on from football in the Instagram post.

“It’s 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,” Gronkowski said.

“It was truly an incredible honor to play for such a great, established organization and (be) able to come in to continue and contribute to keep building success.”

Gronkowski, a five-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro selection, finishes his nine-year career with 7,861 receiving yards and 79 receiving touchdowns.

The 79 receiving touchdowns are the third-most in NFL history before age 30 and his 80 total touchdowns are the most in Patriots history.

“Gronk” starred at Arizona between 2007-09 before being selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Patriots.

“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 what’s next,” Gronkowski said.

Follow @DannyShapiro13