Rob Gronkowski walked away from the NFL before the 2019 season and seemingly ended a legendary career. But Tom Brady joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers brought the future Hall of Fame tight end out of retirement and the two could be together for years to come.
Gronkowski, entering his age-32 season, re-signed with the Buccaneers this offseason. After winning another Super Bowl with Tom Brady, the 6-foot-6 tight end knew he wanted to return to Tampa Bay for another chance to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.
He got off to a slow start last season, working his way back into playing shape. But he eventually rediscovered his form, capping it off with two touchdowns in Super Bowl LV.s
Now, coming off a 90-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1, Gronkowski’s brother believes the Buccaneers’ tight end won’t retire until his best friend does.
“I think Rob will play it out until Tom plays it out is what I’m thinking…Whatever Tom has left, I think that’s what Rob has left as well.”
Chris Gronkowski, brother of Tampa Bay Buccaneers TE Rob Gronkowski, via TMZ Sports
Considering Brady is signed through the 2022 NFL season and continues to play at a high level, this legendary duo could be sharing the field for years to come. Brady has shown no signs of slowing down, even in his age-44 season, playing at an MVP-caliber level in Week 1.
There also seem to be no signs of decline from Gronkowski. A year away from the game allowed his body to heal after years of hits, surgeries and extensive physical damage.
Already a five-time Pro Bowl selection and four-time Super Bowl champion, Gronk’s status as a future Hall of Fame selection is cemented. But if he plays another two-plus seasons, he’ll likely become just the third tight end in NFL history (Antonio Gates, Tony Gonzalez) to record 100 career receiving touchdowns.
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