Rob Gronkowski does not believe that his former teammate and friend, Tom Brady, will end his illustrious NFL career just soon.
Gronkowski, who played alongside Brady in New England and Tampa Bay, was asked about the quarterback’s future plans following the 2022 season on Fox’s NFL pregame show. Brady ended his temporary retirement to rejoin the Buccaneers, who were eliminated from the wild-card playoffs last week.
“Everyone is curious about Tom Brady’s future, but I don’t believe Brady himself understands what his future holds at the moment. But let me tell you, he was in the top five in throwing yards last season, so he can still play,” Gronkowski said of Brady, who will shortly become a free agency at age 45.
The 33-year-old tight end then provided some insight as to where the seven-time Super Bowl champion could likely land next.
“Let me tell you, it will be whatever situation intrigues him the most,” stated the 33-year-old former tight end. Next year, he will be participating in whichever football opportunity makes him the most enthusiastic.
Gronkowski responded, “Yes, back playing football,” when asked if Brady will return to football.
Gronkowski stated of Brady’s megadeal with Fox Sports to be their primary NFL pundit upon his retirement, “If for some reason he’s not going to be, he always has the opportunity, a job with us next year.”
The 2022 campaign was a difficult one for Brady. Not only did Brady’s Buccaneers complete the season with a losing record, but his 13-year marriage to wife Gisele Bündchen also ended in October.
Some Buccaneers players feel Brady will not return for a fourth season in Tampa Bay, despite his statement last week that he would make his choice “day by day.”
One Buccaneer recently told NFL Network, “I’d be surprised if he came back,” while another said, “He sounded like he was saying goodbye for good.”
NFL Network reports that the Raiders of Las Vegas, the Titans of Tennessee, and the 49ers of San Francisco are rumored to be in the running for Brady’s services as free agency approaches.