Sources: Rob Gronkowski wants to return to the NFL; Broncos in the mix?
Feb 25, 2025, 10:15 AM | Updated: 10:34 am
League sources have confirmed that former New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski may want to return to the NFL. Considered one of the best tight ends of all time, Gronkowski played nine seasons with the New England Patriots (winning three Super Bowls with the team) before retiring briefly in 2019. He did return in 2020 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and helped win Super Bowl LV with quarterback Tom Brady.
League sources tell me 4X Super Bowl champion TE Rob Gronkowski is considering a return to the NFL.
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
— Cecil Lammey (@CecilLammey) February 25, 2025
Since retiring (the second time) in 2022, the door has been open for a potential return, but many felt that would include following Brady after his playing days were done with the Buccaneers. Brady is clearly done, concentrating more now on his partial ownership of the Las Vegas Raiders but Gronkowski reportedly wants to make another run.
Sources tell me Gronkowski has been working out in Vail this offseason as he wants to physically be ready for another NFL season. High-altitude training in the offseason could help him prepare for the rigors of training camp if a team shows interest. At age 35, and with a few years of rest on his body, Gronkowski may be better suited for a return than some think.
Gronkowski was known as one of the toughest players on the field, and he battled through various ailments on his way to four championships. Now healthy and motivated to return, Gronkowski could help a team get to a Super Bowl. His skill set, and championship pedigree, are something teams will be interested in.
Could that team be the Denver Broncos? Two of his brothers, Chris and Dan, both had short stints with the team over 10 years ago and I’ve heard the Gronkowski family loves the city and the team. Not only that, but sources also tell me that Gronkowski would love to play for head coach Sean Payton, whom he worked with at Fox during the 2022 season, and likes what he’s seen from quarterback Bo Nix.
With the need at tight end being so great, should the Broncos be interested in the future Hall of Fame player? If they add Gronkowski, does that change their plans in the 2025 NFL Draft? As Gary Kubiak used to say, “We’re fixin to find out.”
