Rob Gronkowski discovered CBD while recovering from various injuries as a Super Bowl-winning tight end with the New England Patriots.
Super Bowl-winning tight end Rob Gronkowski is among the latest of football players to end their careers early, then turn around and endorse cannabis-based medicine. At 30 years old, Gronkowski, more commonly known by his nickname “Gronk,” the former New England Patriot will now become an advocate for players to use CBD as a pain management tool and anti-inflammatory.
While he said “physically, I could play right now,” Gronk added that he isn’t there mentally or emotionally to suit up again. Gronk said using CBD following his retirement from professional football in March has allowed him to be pain free for the first time in years.
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“I’m advocating for CBD to be acceptable for all players for recovery,” he said. “You can just call me Mr. Recovery. You know you like that name. Mr. Recovery, baby.”
At a @cbdmedic_pharma press conference in NYC, ex-#Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski comes out as a CBD advocate: “I’m here to appeal to the sports governing bodies to update their positions on CBD (so it can be) used by all players. … For the first time in a decade, I’m pain-free.” pic.twitter.com/DClum5mbe2
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 27, 2019
Gronkowski’s comment came at a formal press conference to announce his investment and partnership with Abacus Health, which sells a line of “all-natural, fitness-oriented recovery products.” On its website, the company promotes various CBD-infused products, including a pain stick, massage oils, and ointments. CBD, and cannabis as a whole, is said to assist in football players recovery, reducing inflammation and pain. In addition, there is also growing evidence that CBD can assist the healing process of suffering traumatic brain.
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However, Gronkowski is not alone in his investment in cannabis-based medicine for athletes. Joe Montana, Calvin Johnson, Ricky Williams, and Tiki Barber have all entered the cannabis space in ways, big and small. The NFL announced earlier this year it will study cannabis-based medicine as a pain management toll for athletes, and will consider changing its polices based on the research’s results.
More from Rob Gronkowski on potential NFL return: "Physically, I can do it. Mentally, desire-wise, I can't." Reiterates if that changes, he'll go back. "That'll be the time. It may be never. But you know me …" Starts laughing.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) August 27, 2019
Gronk’s announcement also highlights a growing trend of athletes retiring before their playing days ended from a physical perspective. Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck stunned the sports world earlier this week, when he announced he was prematurely retiring from the NFL. Gronk explained why he was not returning to the NFL during his press conference.
“I want to be clear to my fans. I needed to recover. I was not in a good place. Football was bringing me down, and I didn’t like it. I was losing that joy in life,” he said.
