Giants' Brian Daboll talks Rob Gronkowski speculation

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll sounds unconvinced tight end Rob Gronkowski would seriously consider ending his retirement to feature for Big Blue later this fall. 

"I wouldn't read too much into that is what I'll say," Daboll told reporters on Monday, per the Giants' official website. 

Daboll was responding to a question related to Gronkowski saying last week he knows that the Giants coach "wants me on his roster" and "would have the best chance (among NFL coaches) to get me out of retirement." 

The future Hall of Famer who had Daboll as a tight ends coach when both were with the New England Patriots added that playing alongside New York tight end Darren Waller during the upcoming season "would be pretty wild." 

Gronkowski also explained that he feels a club having two dynamic players at the position "makes the defense have the most difficult times." 

"I’m close with Rob," Daboll remarked during his comments, according to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. "I have a lot of respect, admiration. I coached him for four years. He’s a good friend. We’ve talked — I’m not saying we’ve talked about that but he’s a close friend. When you coach someone for four years and he’s a very productive player for you and really a good person — we’re from the same town. I wouldn’t read too much into that."

Gronkowski turned 34 years old this past May, first retired after the 2018 campaign when he already had a rather noteworthy injury history and last played with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 2021 season. 

While Gronk is a free agent who theoretically can sign with any team at any time, he did say during his appearance on the "Up & Adams" program last week he is "washed up" as it pertains to his playing days. 

Gronkowski likely will be rooting for Daboll to lead the Giants on a second-consecutive postseason journey, but the four-time Super Bowl champion seemingly will do so while remaining a spectator.