Rob Gronkowski won’t return to the NFL even if Tom Brady asks him to
The tight end once pulled a U-turn on a previous retirement announcement, leading many fans to suspect a similar scenario here in the present, but it seems the man himself has his mind made up.
Looks like the NFL won’t be seeing lethal partnership between the legendary QB and tight end once again, after the latter declare his retirement is for real this time.
Rob Gronkowski stands firm on retirement decision
It was not so long ago, just earlier this offseason in fact, when Rob Gronkowski informed us all that he would be hanging up his cleats and would no longer be playing in the NFL. After a glittering 11-year career with the likes of the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the man they call ‘the Gronk’ had seen enough. It was an announcement, however, that was most definitely met with skepticism as fans had seen this before. Fans were quick to point out that the star had made a similar declaration before, only to come out of retirement back in 2020 to join his long-time accomplice and NFL icon Tom Brady, in Tampa Bay.
With all of that said, it would appear that Gronkowski is now certain and had no intentions of walking back on his decision. “I’m done with football,” Gronkowski said. “Love the game and definitely blessed with all the opportunities the game of football has given me. ... But done with football and stepping my feet into the business world, the business ventures and seeing what’s out there.”
Why did fans doubt Gronkowski’s retirement announcement?
Though it would be tempting to just focus on Gronkowski himself, there was actual rhyme to the reason why fans suspected that it was nothing more than hot air and that the famous No. 87 would be seen once again on the fields of the NFL. What was it? His agent. Shortly after he announced his retirement, Gronkowski’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, infamously stated that he wouldn’t be surprised to see his client return to the field if Tom Brady asked him to. Asked about such a scenario and Gronkowski seems to maintain his stance. “I would answer obviously,” he said. “I would obviously answer the greatest quarterback of all time and ask him how he’s doing and tell him I’m doing good., but I wouldn’t go back to football.”
Who was Rob Gronkowski the player?
While he definitely has nothing to prove, if this is the reality and he doesn’t return, then fans will have lost the opportunity to see one of the league’s greatest in action once again. Rest assured Gronkowski’s place in the league’s Hall of Fame is assured. As far as tight ends go, the Gronk is third all-time in receiving touchdowns (92), fifth in receiving yards (9,286), and 10th in receptions (621). When coupled with his post season performances and his blocking expertise, Gronkowski is quite frankly a candidate for GOAT in the league’s TE department.