Former Super Bowl-winning tight end, Rob Gronkowski, is the latest ex-athlete to step into the cannabis industry.
During a press conference held in New York City on Monday, Gronk announced that he's partnering with Abacus Health Products and its line of topical CBD products called CBDMEDIC. Little is known about his deal with Abacus Health Products, but according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Gronkowski's goal is to advocate for the legalization of CBD products by professional sports leagues.
"I’m here to appeal to the sports governing bodies to update their positions on CBD [so it can be] used by all players," Gronk told the audience. "For the first time in a decade, I’m pain-free."
In March, Gronkowski announced his official retirement from the NFL. Although he was only 29-year-old, Gronk had suffered a laundry list of injuries which played a part in him stepping away from the game. Through rest and the use of CBD products, Gronk claims he's been able to nurse himself back into good health. As a result, he thinks CBD can be beneficial for players that have had a similar experience.
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Gronk confessing that he is now "pain-free" led to reporters to asking him if he's plotting a return to the gridiron. Gronk dismissed the questions by claiming that he "didn't retire from life," but he doesn't see himself playing professional football in the "foreseeable future." Though he didn't close the window to a potential comeback completely.
"Physically, I could do it. But mentally, it’s not there," Gronk said when explaining how a player needs that "fire" every week to compete at a professional level. "If I’m just enjoying my life... maybe never."