Rob Gronkowski News Announced Amid NFL Offseason

When Brady left the Patriots for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020, Gronk unretired to join his friend in Tampa Bay. New England Chairmen and CEO Robert Kraft could only watch on as his former players continued to succeed outside of Foxboro. First, Brady and Gronk passed Phillip Rivers and the aforementioned Gates (89) for second most touchdowns by a quarterback-receiver tandem in regular-season history, only trailing Indianapolis Colts legends Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison (112). Then, Gronk led the Buccaneers with two touchdowns in their 2021 Super Bowl victory over Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.

Gronk and Brady not being in a New England jersey while accomplishing these feats had to be tough for Kraft to see. Although the relationship between Kraft and his former quarterback deteriorated and ended on a sour note, he has attempted to mend fences by honoring Brady with a statue outside Gillette Stadium. Gronkowski, on the other hand, has maintained a warm and consistent public relationship with Kraft.

Kraft continues his positive gestures towards Gronkowski, as the tight end is a finalist for the 2026 Patriots Hall of Fame, with former guard Logan Mankins and former kicker Adam Vinatieri also receiving nominations. Both Mankins and Vinatieri were finalists for the franchise Hall of Fame last year, with wide receiver Julian Edelman being inducted. Brady was inducted in 2024 after Kraft unilaterally waived the waiting period and announced his induction.

Only one player will be an inductee, and Patriots fans can go to the team website and vote for who they believe should win.

"Congratulations to 2026 Patriots Hall of Fame finalists Rob Gronkowski, Logan Mankins and Adam Vinatieri." ESPN reporter Mike Reiss wrote on X. "Now goes to fan vote (with 1 inductee):"

The Pats have 11 total picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, including the No. 31 overall pick in the first round.