Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

AFC Team 'In the Mix' for NFL Legend Rob Gronkowski's Potential Comeback

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Wadleigh | Last updated Feb 25, 2025 12:44 PM ET

Former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski has a Hall of Fame resume.

Gronkowski finished his NFL career with five Pro Bowl trips, four All-Pro nominations, and four Super Bowl rings.

He also had 621 receptions, 9,286 yards and 92 touchdowns in 143 regular season games while recording another 98 catches, 1,389 yards and 15 scores in the postseason.

Gronkowski, who turns 36 in May, was still productive in his final season in 2021 with the Buccaneers. He caught 55 passes for 802 yards and six touchdowns before retiring for the second time.

Now, less than three years after retiring, it seems that Gronkowski is considering a return to the NFL.

"League sources have confirmed that former New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski may want to return to the NFL," Cecil Lammey of Denver Sports reported on Tuesday.

Moreover, Lammey mentioned the Denver Broncos as a team that is intriguing to Gronkowski.

"Not only that, but sources also tell me that Gronkowski would love to play for head coach Sean Payton, whom he worked with at Fox during the 2022 season, and likes what he’s seen from quarterback Bo Nix."

Gronkowski's brothers, Chris and Dan, both spent time with the Broncos during their respective NFL careers.

The Broncos finished 10-7 in the first season with Bo Nix at quarterback and the second season with Sean Payton as the head coach.

The Broncos could use some help at the tight end position as Adam Trautman led the group with just 13 catches for 188 yards and two scores in the 2024 season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: