Rob Gronkowski has been out of the NFL for nearly four years, but that hasn’t stopped speculation about a potential return to the field. This week, a new rumor emerged suggesting that the former All-Pro tight end had his sights set on a comeback, potentially joining the Denver Broncos. However, Gronkowski himself has wasted no time in shutting down that notion.
On Tuesday, Denver Sports 104.3 The Fan radio host Cecil Lammey ignited speculation when he reported that Gronkowski was considering a return to football. According to Lammey, Gronk had a strong connection with Broncos head coach Sean Payton and was interested in playing in Denver if he did decide to come out of retirement.
While it is true that Gronkowski and Payton spent time together as analysts for FOX NFL Sunday, the former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers star dismissed the comeback talk as completely unfounded.
Gronkowski’s Response: ‘Crazy, Bro’
Gronkowski responded to the rumor in an exchange with fellow FOX employee Jordan Schultz, making it abundantly clear that a return to the gridiron is not in his plans.
“Crazy, bro. They must know something about me that I don’t,” Gronkowski said, sarcastically brushing off the speculation. “I wish I still had those powers, because that would be cool if I did. But I was just in Australia for a few days. Now it’s time to relax a little. No football.”
Gronkowski, now 35, officially retired after the 2021 NFL season. Though he was still a productive player at the time, his decision to step away was largely due to the toll injuries had taken on his body. Having endured a long list of serious ailments, including multiple concussions, back injuries, and arm fractures, Gronk made it clear at the time that he was done playing for good.
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Enjoying Retirement and His FOX Role
Since retiring, Gronkowski has embraced his post-football career, thriving as an analyst on FOX NFL Sunday. While he occasionally gets playfully teased by his co-workers on-air, he seems to genuinely enjoy the role and the laid-back lifestyle that comes with it.
A four-time Super Bowl champion and five-time Pro Bowler, Gronkowski has nothing left to prove on the football field. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, with an unmatched combination of size, athleticism, and playmaking ability.
Could He Still Contribute in the NFL?
There’s no doubt that if Gronkowski wanted to play again, he could bring value to a team. His elite blocking skills, red-zone presence, and deep playoff experience would make him an asset for any offense, especially one with a veteran quarterback in need of a reliable target.
However, just because he could play again doesn’t mean he has any desire to do so. At this point, Gronk appears completely content with his post-football life—making it unlikely that fans will ever see him in pads again.
For now, the only “comebacks” fans can expect from Gronkowski will be his trademark one-liners on FOX NFL Sunday—not a return to the field.
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