It’s evident that the New England Patriots are missing their Hall of Fame tight end Rob Gronkowksi.
Gronkowski’s nine-year career was spent with the Patriots and his impact on the team was monumental. When he was healthy, it was virtually impossible for any opposing defense to slow him down. He finished his career with 521 catches, 7,861 receiving yards and 79 touchdowns — while averaging 68.4 yards per game.
He went out on a high note and retired after the Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII. Ever since then, there have been dozens of rumors that he was either done with football entirely, or that he’ll return.
Gronkowski, the newest Fox Sports analyst, said on his FOX debut that he’d return to the game if he was really feeling it. Patriots owner Robert Kraft joined NFL Network that night and said that Gronkowski hasn’t filed his retirement papers yet, and was hoping for a return.
Tom Brady has a different take on the situation. Brady joined WEEI’s ‘The Greg Hill Show’ and said that he wouldn’t lobby for a Gronkowski return.
“Look, I love that guy. I am so happy that he’s enjoying his time. I am happy that he’s enjoying his life.” Brady said. “He seems to really be doing a lot of great things. He knows how I feel about him. I want what is best for him. He’s the only person that can make those decisions. I don’t lobby for those things.
“I have a great relationship with him. He has given actually a hell of a lot to our team already over the course of a long period of time, and I think people should be very appreciative for what he’s brought to the team and what he’s brought to the region. I think he’s a very special guy. He’s just in a different phase of his life.”
Gronkowski has three Super Bowl rings, has been named First-Team All-Pro four times, has been named a Pro-Bowler five times and has brought excitement to fans on and off the field. His contributions have been more than enough for a fan base that has witnessed six Super Bowl victories in two decades.
