ARIZONA FOOTBALL

Former U of A, Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski joins Fox Sports

Oct 8, 2019, 9:26 AM

Former New England Patriots player Rob Gronkowski looks to the crowd before the game between the Ne...

Former New England Patriots player Rob Gronkowski looks to the crowd before the game between the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

After four-time All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski called it a career this past offseason, some speculated that the youthful 30-year-old could be back to playing football at some point.

But for now, Gronkowski has moved on to the next adventure.

The former University of Arizona and New England Patriots three-time Super Bowl champion has been hired by Fox Sports, the network announced Tuesday, and “Gronk” will make his debut this Thursday on the pre-game show for Thursday Night Football, along with Terry Bradshaw, Michael Strahan, Tony Gonzalez and Peter Schrager.

“We’re thrilled Rob chose FOX Sports for the next phase of his football life,” the network’s executive producer Brad Zager said in a press release. “He is one of the most popular players to ever play the game and also one of the best tight ends in NFL history. His passion for the game and larger-than-life personality make him a perfect fit for FOX Sports.”

Gronkowski, the 42nd overall pick in the 2010 draft, played nine NFL seasons and had more than 1,000 yards from scrimmage four times.

With the University of Arizona in 2007 and 2008, Gronkowski played 22 games and had 1,197 yards and 16 touchdowns.

“I’m extremely excited to be joining FOX Sports,” Gronkowski said. “For the past 25 years, they’ve offered viewers top-notch NFL programming from the field to the booth to the studio. Their deep talent roster is unmatched, which was important for me as I embark on this new chapter in my life because I’ll be able to learn from the best in the business.”

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Former U of A, Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski joins Fox Sports