The 2025 NFL scouting combine has already produced some interesting headlines this week, however, none are as big as the bomb that was just dropped.
On Tuesday afternoon, sources close to Denver Sports' Cecil Lammey revealed that former New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski "is considering a return to the NFL." The four-time Super Bowl-winning pass-catcher last played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 2021 campaign.
League sources tell me 4X Super Bowl champion TE Rob Gronkowski is considering a return to the NFL.
— Cecil Lammey (@CecilLammey) February 25, 2025
He worked with Sean Payton at Fox & I'm told he loves Denver & QB Bo Nix. (2 of his brothers, Dan and Chris, had short stints with the team).
More in my report @DenSports1043
Patriots News: Rob Gronkowski Considering an NFL Return
Gronkowski potentially coming out of retirement likely isn't something many Patriots fans had on their NFL offseason bingo cards. It's been over three years since he last suited up and the fact that he had begun a broadcasting career suggested that returning to the gridiron likely wasn't on his mind.
Then again, this is 'Gronk' we're talking about and one thing that remains true about him is that he'll do whatever he wants. If truly believes that he has enough juice left in the tank to make an NFL comeback, he's likely going to give it a shot.
Drafted 42nd overall by the Patriots in 2010, an immediate connection with Tom Brady helped vault Gronkowski into superstardom. The former Arizona Wildcat spent nine seasons in New England, hauling in 521 catches for 7,861 receiving yards and 79 touchdowns while also posting an 81-1,163-12 stat line in 16 postseason appearances.
Unsurprisingly, the Grownkowski-Brady duo created a lot of fond memories for Patriots fans, highlighted by three Super Bowl victories.
The Amherst, NY native initially retired following the 2019 season only to return to the NFL one year later with Brady on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Sunshine State reunion paid off as the ex-Patriots duo led the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl LV victory, leading to Gronkowski playing another season with the Bucs before announcing a second retirement in June 2022.
So, where might the former New England fan favorite end up?
According to Lammey, Gronkowski's latest retirement could be over due to his connection with Denevr Broncos head coach Sean Payton. The legendary TE allegedly enjoyed his time working with Payton at FOX Sports, and apparently "loves Denver and QB Bo Nix." Considering how the Broncos lack a legitimate tight end, there could be fire where there's smoke.
One thing is for sure: Patriots fans shouldn't want a reunion. As beloved as he is in New England, Gronkowski could damage his legacy if he were to return and look like a shell of his former self. It's best that he attempts a comeback elsewhere as the Pats faithful watches from afar.
More clarity regarding Gronkowski's potential comeback and where he might play in 2025 will be revealed the closer we get to free agency, which begins on Wednesday, March 12.