Rob Gronkowski is a no-doubt Hall of Fame. After being drafted 42nd overall in the 2010 draft, Gronk went on to win four Super Bowls and put up over 9000 receiving yards. Gronkowski also led the league in receiving touchdowns in his sophomore year. He retired in 2022 after a second season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Gronk goes down as an all-time great both in the league and at his position.
However, there was speculation as to whether Gronk would stay retired. He had briefly retired during the 2019 offseason before ultimately choosing to follow Tom Brady to Tampa. While a reunion with Brady seemed like Gronk's strongest route back, Brady retired in early 2023. Additionally, recent comments by Gronk shut the door on a potential return. with Brady's retirement earlier in 2023.
Gronk Says "No Chance" Of NFL Return
Speaking with TMZ, Gronkowski shut down any rumors that he might be returning to the NFL. "There's no chance anymore," Gronkowski said, "I'm happily retired." Gronkowski went on to say that he had instead taken up Pickleball in his spare time, boasting about how he beat his brothers Chris and Gord who "play with pros all the time". "I'm still competing, I'm still winning, so I don't even need to go back to football." Gronkowski's statement left no room for interpretation, just in case any NFL front offices thought they could get him back.
However, Gronkowski's declaration does not mean that he's completely stepped away from football. Gronk is set to serve as a team captain for the Arizona Wildcats Spring Game. Gronkowski is tied for ninth in career receiving touchdowns at Arizona. The event will see him face off against his brother Chris, who spent time as a running back at Arizona. The game will take place on April 15. The Wildcats will look to improve on a poor 5-7 2022 season. Gronkowski has also expressed his willingness to join the broadcasting booth. Specifically, he has previously stated that he would be happy to join Tom Brady when the former QB begins as an analyst for Fox in 2024. But one thing is clear, Rob Gronkowski will never suit up for another NFL game.
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