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“Gotta Have at Least One More”: Patriots Legend Admits He Delayed NFL Retirement to Play With Rob Gronkowski

Some bonds stay with you for years and eventually become an important part of your life. Matt Light shared that kind of bond with Rob Gronkowski. His affection for Gronkowski even influenced an unexpected decision. “After my 10th season, you…

By Papiya Chatterjee · Essentially Sports

Published: Saturday, 31 October 2026 at 1:23 AM

Key Things to Know

Matt Light revealed he delayed his NFL retirement after the 2010 season to play another year with Rob Gronkowski.
The former offensive lineman returned for the 2011 campaign, reaching Super Bowl XLVI before retiring in May 2012.
Gronkowski credited Light with mentoring him during his 2010 rookie season, particularly with blocking in the running game.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former New England Patriots left tackle Matt Light revealed on NBC Sports Boston that he delayed his NFL retirement to play an additional season with tight end Rob Gronkowski. Light considered stepping away after his 10th season in 2010, which coincided with Gronkowski's rookie year, but decided to return for the 2011 campaign to share the field with him for one more run.

Light eventually retired in May 2012 following the Patriots' Super Bowl XLVI loss, citing the growing physical toll of recovery. The two former teammates maintain a close friendship and have launched a charity sweepstakes supporting the Light Foundation and the Gronk Nation Youth Foundation ahead of Gronkowski's induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame.

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