There’s little doubt that former star tight end Rob Gronkowski could really help Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers right now. But in case it wasn’t clear before, fans shouldn’t get their hopes on a comeback.
Gronkowski announced his retirement for a second time back in June, just two years after he un-retired to reunite with Brady in Tampa Bay. Given his relatively young age (33), and the fact he was still productive last year (55 catches, 802 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games), it’s easy to think that the future Hall of Famer would be up for un-retiring again.
During an interview with Mackenzie Salmon of USA Today‘s “Sports Seriously” (h/t Dan Lyons of Sports Illustrated), Gronkowski admitted that though he feels as though he could help the Buccaneers, the clear path to reuniting with Brady would come at FOX Sports.
“It was definitely a thought in my head. I mean I definitely feel like I could definitely help out. More in the red zone, about 35 yards-plus … But you know, I’m just not playing. That’s not a possibility.”
In the interview, Salmon asked Gronkowski which team would be the best for Brady, who could enter free agency in 2023 if he decides to keep playing. But the four-time Super Bowl champion suggested that FOX “may be the best option”, adding that the duo could “be the tag team champions of the world.”
In the summer, Brady and FOX agreed to a mammoth 10-year contract worth $375 million that will commence once the 45-year-old ends his playing career. Brady will work alongside the network’s top NFL play-by-play voice Kevin Burkhardt and sideline reporter Erin Andrews; former Pro Bowl tight end Greg Olsen currently serves as the analyst alongside Burkhardt.
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Brady and the Buccaneers entered the season as a top Super Bowl favorite, but the offense has greatly struggled throughout the season. They’re averaging just 17.2 points per game, which places the group 28th in the league.
Despite the struggles, Tampa Bay is leading the NFC South division with a 6-7 record. They’ll try to get back on track this Sunday with a home showdown with Joe Burrow’s Cincinnati Bengals.
