Rob Gronkowski's potential return to the NFL has fans buzzing, as new reports suggest the legendary tight end is considering coming out of retirement, this time eyeing the Denver Broncos.
Once regarded as one of the best tight ends in NFL history, Gronkowski has had his fair share of success on the field. After nine seasons with the New England Patriots, during which he won three Super Bowls (XLIX, LI, and LIII), he initially retired from professional football at the age of 29 following the 2018 season. By 2020, he was coaxed back to the league by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he helped secure another championship title before retiring again after the 2021 season.
According to Cecil Lammey of DenverSports.com, Gronkowski is contemplating his return for the 2025 season and has shown interest in playing for the Broncos. This speculation is fueled by his prior working relationship with Denver's head coach Sean Payton at FOX Sports, as well as familial ties to the team—Gronkowski's brothers, Chris and Dan, have both played for the Broncos.
Despite Gronkowski's enthusiasm for the city of Denver and his desire to play alongside rising quarterback Bo Nix, there are complications on the horizon. The Broncos currently have pressing needs for both tight ends and running backs heading toward the 2025 season, with Adam Trautman filling the starter's role at tight end last season. Gronkowski, now 35 and having been out of the game for over two years, faces significant challenges. Travis Kelce, another notable tight end, performed admirably at age 35, setting expectations for Gronk’s capabilities if he opts to make the comeback.
His last official game was against the Los Angeles Rams during the playoffs as part of the Buccaneers. The era of Gronk, full of remarkable stats—9,286 receiving yards, 92 touchdowns, and multiple Pro Bowl selections—leaves fans wondering whether he still has what it takes to play at the top level.
Gronkowski has not only been contemplating football but also balancing the rigors of being a sports analyst, mentioning on his podcast Dudes on Dudes, "I might as well go back because playing ball would be easier than what I’ve been doing over the last six months.” This sentiment hints at his readiness for another season on the field, potentially redefining his legacy.
The Broncos, who also possess the 20th pick in the upcoming draft, could choose to prioritize younger talent for both tight end and running back. Top prospects like Tyler Warren from Penn State and Colston Loveland from Michigan are also on their radar, making Gronkowski's path to returning even more complicated.
Although analysts like Ben Allbright caution against expecting much from Gronkowski's potential return, noting it could just be talk rather than solid plans, the prospect of his comeback remains alluring nonetheless. The swirling reports, fueled by Gronkowski’s past public statements and close ties to the Broncos organization, breathe life back at the possibility of witnessing his return on the field.
While skeptics remain, Gronkowski’s allure as one of the NFL’s most charismatic figures means fans will be watching closely. With the possibility of combining forces with Payton and Nix, could we see Gronk spike the football once again?