Rob Gronkowski reacts to speculation about Tom Brady comeback
Rob Gronkowski has reacted to the numerous rumors claiming that long-time teammate Tom Brady could end his latest retirement and once again return to the NFL.
"That was a surprise when I saw that news," Gronkowski said to Khari Thompson of Boston.com. "It actually put me on my toes. I was very shocked when I saw that. I feel like Tom is definitely totally done playing. I haven’t talked to him or anything about it. I’m not speaking for Tom. Just from everything I saw from his retirement video and everything I just feel like he is just done playing football. It was just very shocking though when I heard that news the other day."
Specifically, Gronkowski was referencing how former NFL quarterback and current New England Patriots broadcaster Scott Zolak said earlier this week that he believes "the possibility of (Brady) coming out of retirement is definitely 100% in play." Fox media personality Colin Cowherd, NFL Network's Rich Eisen, NFL insider Michael Silver, and Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio have also hinted over at least the past few weeks that they think Brady could sign with a team such as the Miami Dolphins or San Francisco 49ers as a free agent.
For what it's worth, Gronkowski has never been among those who have openly doubted Brady's "for good" retirement that the seven-time Super Bowl champion announced on Feb. 1. Ahead of Super Bowl LVII, Gronkowski said at a media event that the 45-year-old would not be "reopening that door" this time around.
Just as he did with his latest comments, though, Gronkowski was sure to point out last month that he wasn't speaking for his "best friend" who allegedly may still wish to chase one last championship ring. One wonders what Gronkowski thinks about the Dolphins creating quite a bit of salary cap space before Brady's contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers expires this coming Wednesday.
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