NFL legend Rob Gronkowski signed a one-day contract to retire as a Patriot. Owner Robert Kraft jokingly suggested a two-day contract that would have allowed the legendary tight end to play in Thursday’s game against the Jets in Week 11. However, Gronk replied by asking about his signing bonus. Kraft laughed it off by saying that nothing had changed. But there’s a genuine possibility of the Pats winning the Super Bowl as they are currently 9-2.

In that case, will he get the Super Bowl ring? Let’s take a deep dive into the terms and conditions of his contract.

Rob Gronkowski’s One-Day Patriots Contract: Full Breakdown and Key Details

Rob Gronkowski always believed he was a New England Patriot for life. He made it official by signing a one-day contract with the Patriots on November 12 so he could retire as a member of the team where he won three Super Bowls in his 9-year Patriots career.

“I’m a Patriot for life. My career started here and 100% needed to end here,” Gronkowski said after the ceremonial signing with team owner Robert Kraft.

Initially, they planned for Gronk to retire as a Patriot after he became eligible for the team’s Hall of Fame in 2027, but they moved things up. The push came from Gronk’s longtime friend and charity partner Susan Hurley.

At the opening of a “Gronk Playground” in Boston this August, Hurley, a former Patriots cheerleader who worked with many local charities, asked him to retire as a Patriot. Hurley passed away from cancer earlier this month, and Gronkowski agreed to her wish, calling it an “absolute no-brainer.”

Would Rob Gronkowski Earn Any Salary From a One-Day Patriots Contract?

The Pats are not required to pay him any salary under the ceremonial contract. These are meant as a way to honor the player’s legacy. So, Kraft could breathe easy here as he doesn’t have to pay him any salary. That was the joke during the signing, as Gronk wanted money to extend his contract for even two days.

The biggest question, though, is about the ring.

Would Rob Gronkowski’s One-Day Contract Make Him Eligible for a Super Bowl Ring?

If we go by the history of Super Bowl rings, Rob Gronkowski is eligible to get a Super Bowl ring. Back in 2016, when the Broncos won Super Bowl 50, they handed out Super Bowl rings to their cheerleaders, trainers, and even a beat reporter. So, Gronk could add one more piece of jewelry to his collection, if Drake Maye & co. go all the way to the final and win.

However, the rules are not clearly defined in this aspect. It all depends on Kraft.

What Do NFL Rules Say About Who Qualifies for a Super Bowl Ring?

Super Bowl rings themselves have a long history. Companies compete to design them every year. Tiffany & Co. makes the Vince Lombardi Trophy, but Jostens has made most of the rings in Super Bowl history. Tiffany, Balfour, and Jason of Beverly Hills have also won contracts. Costs vary because every ring is unique. The NFL covers the base amount for 150 rings, but owners often choose much fancier designs.

The Los Angeles Rams said their ring had the most diamond weight ever at about 20 carats, likely making it closer to the $50,000 range. Some rings are later sold. The highest sale was in 2012 when Lawrence Taylor’s Super Bowl XXV ring was sold for $230,401. Teams can request up to 150 rings, which covers most active and practice squad players. Coaches, owners, and top staff usually get one too. Owners can order more if they want and pay the full price.

Even the losing team gets a ring, called as the AFC or NFC Championship ring. These rings are simpler, but they still honor the team for reaching the Super Bowl.

Designs often include small notes like conference titles or the final score. Each ring tries to show the story of that season. Teams use colors, engravings, diamonds, small images, and hidden details to make the ring special. The Rams ring had a removable top, a tiny football field inside, and pieces of real turf and a game ball.

The 20 carats of diamonds were chosen to mark the stadium’s 2020 opening. The NFL pays $5,000 to $7,000 for each ring for up to 150 rings. Owners usually upgrade the designs, and the final cost often reaches $30,000 to $50,000 per ring. Owners pay the extra cost themselves.

They can buy more than 150 rings, but they must cover the full price. Because of that, owners decide exactly who gets one. The Saints made a different kind of gesture in 2010. Their cheerleaders did not receive rings, but the team gave a ring to former player Steve Gleason, who was fighting ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).

So, everything depends on Robert Kraft. If he decides to give a ring to Rob Gronkowski, he can (given they win Super Bowl LX)!