There have been few more explosive duos in NFL history than Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski, and with a return to the New England Patriots possibly on the cards for the legendary quarterback at the end of this season, few Pats fans would complain about the prospect of getting the band back together, something Gronkowski has hinted at by being filmed out on the field this weekend.
Brady's contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ends in just a few months and the expectation is the 45-year-old, who reneged on his retirement plans earlier this year, will play on for at least one more season, with the Patriots among his possible landing spots.
Brady and Gronk – one of the NFL's best-ever tight ends – won three championships together in New England before clinching another in Tampa in 2020/21, but Gronkowski retired at the end of last season and in his absence, the Bucs' offence looks a shell of its former self, with only Brady's nous and perseverance dragging them to a 6-6 record.
Despite a season of struggle, the Bucs should creep into the playoffs by virtue of the NFC South being among the weakest divisions in the league. However, if Brady is to play on into next season, he will certainly want to be on a roster with better prospects of adding to his seven NFL titles – with the Super Bowl window seemingly closing for the Bucs after winning the Vince Lombardi Trophy almost two years ago.
Late-career Gronk may not have been the transcendent player he once was during his nine seasons as a Patriot from 2010-2019, but even now he remains in great shape and he could still do a fine job as a red-zone threat. Indeed, Brady would love to have him in his receiving corps if the 33-year-old was minded to come out of retirement for a second time.
Gronkowski was spotted back on a football field this week, fuelling hopes that the first-ballot hall-of-famer could be seen in NFL action again one day. However, in a video released by TMZ Sports, he was seen out on the field once again - but wasn't running routes and catching passes.
Instead, he was lining up field goals, with his technique leaving plenty to be desired, although he was able to drill one through the uprights by hook or by crook from close range, not clearing the crossbar by much.
A larger-than-life character in every sense of the phrase, Gronkowski was at Camping World Stadium to watch a children's game, and he showed his class by joining the youngsters for their huddle on the field.
But for those hoping Gronk could be on course for another comeback, he remains retired and this time it looks like there is no turning back.
