New England Patriots

4:14 PM PT -- Tom Brady has responded to Gronk's announcement with a heartfelt message. He posted a photo of the two of them on the field, and added a caption that read ... "What an honor and privilege to play with you these past nine years @gronk! You accomplished so much and our team was almost unbeatable when you were on the field! Your fun-loving, inspiring, and positive energy made an impact on everybody you came into contact with! Not just that, but for as great as a player you are, you are a better teammate and person. The NFL was a better place with you in it! But I have no doubt you will be a success in anything you do!!! Love you pal!"

New England Patriots star Rob Gronkowski says he's finally hanging it up and retiring from football at age 29 ... this after months of speculation.

The longtime tight end broke the news on Instagram Sunday with a lengthy caption attached to a shot of him holding the Lombardi Trophy. He wrote, "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."

He goes on to thank Patriots owner Robert Kraft and his head coach, Bill Belichick, for the chance they gave him when "drafting my silliness in 2010." Gronk continued to reflect on his time with the Pats' organization, saying ... "My life experiences over the last 9 years have been amazing both on and off the field. The people I have meet, the relationships I have built, the championships I have been apart of, I just want to thank the whole New England Patriots organization for every opportunity I have been giving and learning the great values of life that I can apply to mine."

Gronk then went on to thank Pats fans for accepting him for who he is, while adding that it's time to move on knowing Patriot Nation is a huge part of his makeup. He ended with one last thank-you to his teammates -- past and present -- by saying, "To all my current and past teammates, thank you for making each team every year special to be apart of. I will truly miss you guys. Cheers to all who have been part of this journey, cheers to the past for the incredible memories, and a HUGE cheers to the uncertain of whats next."

Rob is a 3-time Super Bowl champ with the Pats, a 5-time Pro Bowler and has made First-Team All-Pro 4 times. He's widely seen as a shoo-in to get into the NFL Hall of Fame one day as well.

As if 6 Super Bowl rings ain't enough ... Tom Brady has what it takes to compete for ANOTHER set of rings if he wants ... 'cause Mohamed Hadid says he's got Olympic skiing talent!!

TB12 has been hittin' the slopes all week ... freaking Pats Nation out while he posts videos shreddin' through the snow (Hadid thinks he was going around 70 miles per hour).

Naturally, we had to find out how Brady's ski skills compare to the pros ... so we asked Bella and Gigi's dad -- an Olympian for Jordan in 1992 -- if he thought the QB could have been good enough to rep the USA in the Games.

"Oh, for sure ... he has amazing form," Hadid says ... adding Brady should KEEP skiing, despite how scared fans get watching their superstar fly down the slopes.

Robert Kraft is finally speaking out about getting caught in the South Florida prostitution sting ... and he's apologizing to his friends, to Patriots fans and to all women.

Kraft says, "In deference to the judicial process, I have remained silent these past several weeks. To correct some of the misinformation surrounding this matter, my attorney made his first public comments on Friday night. I would like to use this opportunity to say something that I have wanted to say for four weeks.

"I am truly sorry. I know I have hurt and disappointed my family, my close friends, my co-workers, our fans and many others who rightfully hold me to a higher standard."

His statement continues, "Throughout my life, I have always tried to do the right thing. The last thing I would ever want to do is disrespect another human being. I have extraordinary respect for women; my morals and my soul were shaped by the most wonderful woman, the love of my life, who I was blessed to have as my partner for 50 years."

TMZ Sports broke the story ... Kraft's legal team, along with 14 other defendants, filed for a protective order earlier this week which would prevent all evidence in the case -- especially the surveillance video from inside the Orchids of Asia spa -- from going public. Kraft's lead attorney, William Burck, insists that video, recorded on cameras set up by police, was illegally obtained.

Burck told the NY Post, "We’ve looked at the law around the warrant for the video surveillance inside the spa, and we think it is a violation of the fourth amendment. We also believe the traffic stop [made by police as the men left the spa] was illegal and a violation of the constitution."

As we first reported, Palm Beach County prosecutors have refused to sign off on the protection order to keep the video from going public -- despite police insisting they are concerned about victims of human trafficking.

Burck also addressed the alleged "trafficking," calling out law enforcement in Palm Beach and Martin Counties. He says they "have said this is a human trafficking case, but have produced no evidence [to corroborate that]. They have falsely connected Robert Kraft and other men to human trafficking. Now they should correct the record. I have asked that the record be corrected and there’s been no response."

Kraft and his legal team have not accepted a plea deal offer ... which would require him to admit he would have been found guilty if the case went to trial.

Robert Kraft's bid to make sure his prostitution sting video doesn't see the light of day might be a little more difficult ... because prosecutors are refusing to play ball.

Sources familiar with the case tell TMZ ... the State's Attorney's Office in Palm Beach County declined to join in on the motion Kraft and 14 other suspects filed Wednesday in Florida ... seeking to prevent the release of any evidence, including video footage from inside the Orchids of Asia spa.

This is a big deal because if prosecutors were on board with the motion to protect the evidence, it would be much more likely the judge would sign off on it. However, prosecutors opted to let Kraft and the other alleged Johns fly solo with their motion, so it's unclear if they'll get their wish.

This begs the question -- why wouldn't the State's Attorney want to cooperate in the effort to keep evidence under wraps?? Especially considering it's an open investigation where police have, very publicly, claimed to be concerned about alleged victims.

We put that question to the State's Attorney's Office, and got a "no comment."

As we reported ... Kraft and the other suspects in the sting were offered a plea deal. It would require Kraft to complete a course about prostitution, 100 hours of community service and submit to an STD test, while also admitting he'd be found guilty if it went to trial. In exchange, the charges would be dropped.

It's pretty clear to us ... the deal's a non-starter for Kraft because it would be just like being convicted -- at least under the offered terms. It seems prosecutors want leverage over Kraft in negotiating a plea deal ... and the video is their weapon.

Well, this ain't what you wanna see if you're a Patriots fan ... Tom Brady bombing his way down a mountain on skis!!!

The 41-year-old QB is out in Montana with his family for their annual ski trip -- and decided to take a run down a pretty large mountain.

"A little downhill this morning," Brady posted along with the video ... "now we just need to find the jump."

It appears Brady is the skier in the blue jacket based on his size -- either way, everyone on the hill is going pretty damn fast.

So, how are Pats fans reacting? Just as you'd expect ... CONCERN!!!

"Hey. Stop," one fan wrote on Instagram. Here are some other comments ...

-- "Please slow down. Stay inside" -- @hbennett3223

-- "Wtf are you doing man?!?! Be safe man" -- @cpeters1993

-- "I'm sweating watching this" -- @j_delano

-- "Killin it Tom just dont break anything especially those fingers gonna needem for another ring" -- @jasont1287

-- "Tom, my heart is beating faster then ever before. Be safe" -- @tomfckinbrady12

Robert Kraft and 14 other suspects busted in the Florida prostitution sting want to make sure the police surveillance video of them in the massage parlor never sees the light of day.

Kraft's attorneys -- and attorneys for the other suspects -- filed jointly Wednesday morning to get a protective order ... which would prevent law enforcement from releasing any evidence gathered in the investigation. That includes the hidden camera footage from inside Orchids of Asia Spa in Jupiter, FL.

As we reported, cops placed cameras inside the spa and say they have video of Kraft making 2 visits to the spa. Cops say it includes footage of 2 women "manipulating his genitals."

According to the motion, obtained by TMZ Sports, the defendants also point out the case is still active because the prosecution is pending ... and therefore law enforcement can't release any evidence to the public.

Prosecutors have offered a plea deal. It would require Kraft to complete a course about prostitution, 100 hours of community service and submit to an STD test. He'd also have to state he would've been found guilty if it went to trial -- and, in exchange, the charges would be dropped.

Robert Kraft shouldn't turn his nose up at the offer on the table in his Asian Spa prostitution case ... he should TAKE IT ... so says "Shark Tank" star Daymond John.

It's interesting advice coming from a VERY respected businessman ... and while Daymond was leaving Craig's in West Hollywood, he told us about the upside for Kraft.

As for the deal ... prosecutors said they would drop the solicitation charges against Kraft if he agrees to take a course about the dangers of prostitution, complete 100 hours of community service, submit to STD testing and admit he would have been found guilty if the case went to trial.

It's super unlikely Kraft will take the deal since there's not much upside for him -- but John says he should REALLY consider it.

"I think he should do it," John says ... "Why not educate yourself? It makes him look good. He's like the mayor of his city ... why not?"

"It only shows he has a better education and when he can advise other people on what NOT to do wrong even if he made a mistake or not he has the education."

John continued ... "Life is about education even at his age, at anybody's age."

"Billionaires are actually billionaires because they keep educating themselves. He's no different."

It's time for Robert Kraft to play "Let's Make a Deal" ... Asian Spa prostitute edition!

The Patriots owner has been offered a plea deal in his rub-and-tug case ... TMZ Sports has confirmed. We're told prosecutors are willing to drop the criminal charges -- if Kraft agrees to a battery of embarrassing punishments.

Kraft's proposed penance includes ... completing a course about prostitution and 100 hours of community service. He would also have to submit to an STD test. Yeesh.

There's more ... Kraft would also have to state that if the case were to go to trial, he would be found guilty.

We're told the deal is not specific to Kraft -- other men busted in the prostitution sting have received the same offer.

The issue for Kraft ... he's already pled not guilty, and there doesn't seem to be any upside in the offer from prosecutors -- so it would be shocking if he accepted this deal, or anything close to it.

News of the proposed plea deal was first reported by the Wall Street Journal.

Unclear if Kraft will accept the terms of the deal. His case is due back in court on March 28.

As we previously reported, 77-year-old Kraft is accused of going to the Orchids of Asia Day Spa on two separate occasions in January and paying for sex acts.

Tom Brady's stock continues to rise ... so does the cost for an autograph.

The New England Patriots star quarterback is holding a private signing session at the end of the month -- and TMZ Sports got a hold of the pricing sheet.

It ain't cheap ... but it could be a GREAT investment.

We started tracking Tom's autograph prices back in Feb. 2017 -- when it cost $850 for a signed photo.

Fast forward to now ... that same photo will cost $1,049.

A Patriots mini-helmet in 2017 was $900 ... now, it will run you $1,079.

There's a deal on jerseys -- in 2017, Tom would sign your uni for $1,200. Now, he'll do it for $1,099.

And, if you're an artist who's created an original Tom Brady painting, TB12 will sign it for $2,199!

The session is being held by New England Picture by way of Tri-Star -- which has held several Brady signings in the past.

One of the interesting notes ... the public is NOT allowed to attend the signing. Meaning you have to submit your items beforehand and you'll get 'em back after the event is over.

So, yeah ... the prices might seem steep -- but the way they've been appreciating in value, might be a great deal!

He's already got a statue at Staples Center -- now Shaquille O'Neal has a restaurant right across the street!!!

The NBA legend opened up Shaquille's at L.A. Live over the weekend -- and tons of his famous friends showed up to celebrate ... from Adam Sandler to Julian Edelman and Tiffany Haddish!!!

It all went down after the Lakers game on Saturday night after Los Angeles took an L against their rival, Boston Celtics ... which happens to the last team Shaq played for!!!

The restaurant specializes in Southern cuisine -- featuring everything from Shaq’s famous fried chicken to shrimp & grits. People at the party tell us the food was delicious.

And, get this ... we're told a few of the Lakers even hit up the joint after the game ... including Kyle Kuzma and Rajon Rondo.

Boston's Jayson Tatum was there too along with Celtics legend Paul Pierce.

Other stars spotted at the party ... Diplo, E.J. Johnson, Jaleel White and Ross Butler.

Bill Belichick really does take days off ... and by the looks of this pic he snapped of his smokin' hot GF -- he's REALLY enjoying them too!!!

The Patriots head coach took a beach vacay with his long-time GF, Linda Holliday, after the NFL's combine ... and traded in his headset for a camera -- and we're all grateful for it.

Unclear where the two are -- all we know is it's a helluva lot warmer than New England -- but it seems it's been a pretty fun trip for the couple.

They've had some ice cream, played a little gin rummy by the ocean ... and even hit the links too!!

Bill and Linda have been together for years ... and they've been known to take some pretty dope vacations when Bill decides to put the hoodie away for a few hours -- remember Greece?!?!

Big Boi is following suit with Travis Scott and Maroon 5 by partnering up with the NFL to donate a bundle of cash, but he's keeping his charitable efforts close to home.

The Outkast rapper -- who performed with Adam Levine and co. during the Super Bowl LIII halftime show -- will announce Thursday a joint donation of $100k from himself and the NFL. We're told the money will be going to the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change in Big Boi's hometown of Atlanta.

Sources familiar with the deal tell TMZ ... the joint donation is similar to the ones the league made with the other halftime performers in Atlanta. Maroon 5's went to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, and Travis' went to Van Jones' Dream Corps.

Their donations were announced before the big game, but we're told Big Boi always intended to make one too. He just took longer to announce it because he needed time to decide where the money would be put to the best use -- and The King Center won out.

Seems things are ALL GOOD between Tom Brady and Aston Martin -- with the QB praising the hell out of the insane new whip they just debuted ... without one single mention of Rolls-Royce!

Remember, TB12 was spotted behind the wheel of a RR just a few days ago -- despite the fact he's got a big endorsement deal with rival luxury car brand Aston Martin. Oops.

But, it seems Tom's over Rolls ... and back on his Aston kick -- especially after seeing the new concept car the brand just rolled out at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland.

"Team @AstonMartinLagonda stole the show in Geneva," Brady wrote ... "I’m gonna need a bigger garage..."

We're pretty sure this was an olive branch ... but it's clear it was an easy one for Brady to throw out.

The concept car -- dubbed the AM-RB 003 -- is insane ... reportedly it's a carbon fiber beast BUILT for speed.

We know what you're thinkin' ... but you can't have one -- they're reportedly being produced in VERY limited quantity -- and almost certainly reserved for ultra-rich and famous people ... like Tom Brady.

Remember the guy who landed a date with a smokin' hot tennis star all 'cause the Patriots won the Super Bowl???

The incredibly unlikely story of Genie Bouchard's popular fling with a 20-year-old fan is heading to the silver screen with a movie adaptation ... the Canadian pro confirmed Tuesday.

It all went down after the self-proclaimed Bouchard fan, John Goehrke, tweeted at Genie during Super Bowl 51 when the Patriots were trailing the Falcons by 25 points in the 3rd quarter.

Dude basically hit the lotto ... 'cause the Pats pulled off the insane upset, and John got his date.

And, then another date.

And, then another.

Now ... Goehrke is getting a freakin' movie made about how he shot his shot with one of the most attractive female athletes of his time. Unreal.

Bouchard will act as executive producer on the Jonathan Abrams flick ... which will focus on "dating and love in the modern digital age, asking if a relationship born on social media can survive the glare of the public eye," according to Deadline.

Sounds like Ricky Williams has sympathy for Robert Kraft in the wake of his prostitution scandal -- explaining simply, "Sometimes it's just better to pay for it, you know?"

The ex-NFL star weighed in on Kraft's scandal Tuesday during an appearance on the 'Domenick Nati Show' ... saying he understands why powerful people like Kraft pay for sex acts.

"I think people have different moral standards and judgments. But, from a purely ... I'll call it practical, maybe a little taboo ... sometimes it's just better to pay for it, you know?"

Ricky's not the only person who feels that way -- prostitution is legal in parts of Nevada and there's a brothel that's already reached out to Kraft in an effort to get him to bring his "business" to the Silver State.

Of course, Kraft is due back in court in Jupiter, Florida later this month to face 2 misdemeanor counts of soliciting another for prostitution. He faces up to a year in jail if convicted.

For his part, the Patriots owner has adamantly denied doing anything illegal.

Officials say they have video of Kraft going into the Orchids of Asia Day Spa on 2 occasions and receiving sex acts in exchange for money.

Josh Gordon isn't throwing in the towel on his NFL career -- it's the opposite -- he's been training like a maniac with an Olympic sprinter in the hopes of returning to dominance.

Sources connected to the wide receiver tell TMZ Sports ... Gordon has been working out at Numa Speed in Florida with Tim Montgomery, a former Team USA sprinter who won a gold medal in the 4x100 in 2000.

We're told the two have been grinding 6 days a week for several hours a day, focusing on speed and power.

Seems to be going well ... Josh posted photos of a recent workout session on social media and, shocker, he looks jacked.

Gordon -- sporting a TB12 T-shirt -- is clearly trying to send a message to his New England Patriots teammates ... showing he's bustin' his ass and is serious on returning to the team.

Of course, Gordon was suspended indefinitely by the NFL in December after reportedly violating the terms of his reinstatement from a previous suspension. Gordon's history of substance abuse is well known.

Flash played 11 games with the Pats in 2018 ... catching 40 passes for 720 yards and 3 touchdowns.