Rob Gronkowski Considering Bucs Return ‘a Little Bit’ Because of Loyalty to Tom Brady

Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

Future Hall of Fame tight end Rob
Gronkowski said he feels “a little bit” of responsibility to
rejoin Tom Brady with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the quarterback
brought an end to his short-lived retirement.

Gronk, who’s currently a free agent,
explained Wednesday on Jimmy Kimmel Live he’s currently weighing that
loyalty to Brady against whether he wants to put his body through
another NFL season.

“It’s about playing the game. I wanna
be there with the guys. That’s the best part, being part of the
team,” he said. “Do I wanna do that week-in, week-out schedule? I
mean, it’s a brutal game.”

Gronkowski previously spent the 2019
season in retirement before returning in 2020 after Brady moved to
the Bucs following two decades as a member of the New England Patriots.
They’d spent nine years together with the Pats.

The 32-year-old five-time Pro Bowler
continued to play at a high level in 2021, recording 55 catches for
802 yards and six touchdowns across 12 appearances. His 92 receiving
scores since his rookie season in 2010 are the most in the NFL over
that span.

Brady doesn’t necessarily need the
University of Arizona product on the roster to enjoy another successful season leading the Tampa offense. His group of pass-catchers already
includes wide receivers Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Russell Gage,
Breshad Perriman, Tyler Johnson and Scotty Miller, along with tight
end Cameron Brate.

Yet, after a long and successful
partnership, life is always easier for the seven-time Super Bowl
champion when he knows Gronkowski is working the middle of the field,
especially in the red zone.

It wouldn’t be a surprise if the star
tight end remains a free agent for most of the offseason, allowing
him to miss the organized team activities and perhaps even part of
training camp without the risk of financial punishment, before
re-signing with the Bucs.

All told, Brady’s return combined with Gronk’s
continued strong play makes it likely he’ll be back on the field at
some point in 2022.