Former NFL Player Rob Gronkowski revealed that he’s probably had around 20 concussions in the course of his NFL career, according to multiple reports.
In an interview with CBS Sports, he said that in the 20 or so concussions that he’s acquired throughout his football career, some of them were so bad that he actually lost consciousness—five of them, in fact.
However, despite the terrifying number of injuries he sustained on the field, he believes that the injuries could heal with time, and thought that he had recovered from his past traumas, reported TMZ.
Gronkowski said he’s had nine surgeries.
When asked whether he was going to allow his children to play football, Gronkowski said he would, but would educate his son about the experiences he endured. It was through this interview that he opened up about his injuries.
“I would let my son play football, but first I’d educate him on the game,” Gronkowski said during the interview with CBS Sports. “[I would] educate him on what I went through, and I truly believe that any injury you receive is fixable, though. I mean, I went through it. I had nine surgeries and probably had, like, 20 concussions in my life—no lie. I remember five blackout ones.”
Concussions were head injuries usually sustained by a blow to the head, according to the Mayo Clinic. The effects of a concussion may range from headaches all the way to memory problems. CBS reported that there was evidence that the human brain may not fully recover from a concussion. Gronkowski opening up about his concussions seem even more frightening to people and fans alike.
The former NFL player retired from his career as a football player on March 24. Playing for the New England Patriots was his dream come true, but it was time for him to move on. He had been playing for the Patriots for nine years, and had, in the duration of his NFL career, made many friends and relationships that he valued.
He wrote a message to his fans regarding his retirement on his Instagram, which read: “it all started at 20 years old on stage at the NFL draft when my dream came true, and now here I am about to turn 30 in a few months, with a decision I feel is the biggest of my life so far. I will be retiring from the game of football today. I am so grateful for the opportunity that Mr. Kraft and Coach Belichick gave to me when drafting my silliness in 2010. My life experiences over the last 9 years have been amazing both on and off the field.”
In the message, he added, “but now its 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. It was truly an incredible honor to play for such a great established organization and able to come in to continue and contribute to keep building success.”
