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Rob Gronkowski retired before the start of the 2022-23 season after 11 seasons in the NFL. While there has been speculation about the former tight end making a comeback, it seems highly unlikely. On his show, Kyle Brandt's Basement, NFL analyst Kyle Brandt laid out why the four-time All-Pro is staying retired.
"What world are you living in where you think Rob Gronkowski wants to leave his life now, put the pads back on and go jump into the Bucs team, a terrible Bucs team? If they're cruising right now and they're six and one and maybe he comes in, in a few weeks when they're nine and two and like a little tune up and they maybe win another ring. I get it."
Brandt then urged fans to look at the tight end's Instagram page to explain further why the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers star isn't coming back.
"If you just want a little refresher on why Rob Gronkowski is not going to join this Buccaneers team, just do yourself a favor when you're bored. Go to his Instagram."
Brandt added:
"The first picture, he's in a kitchen with an apron on and he's like, 'I'm going to build the cookie Gronk'. Like, it's just a silly, silly, fun life. The next one is at a concert with Camille, and they're both wearing matching white outfits and they just both look amazing and young and rich and beautiful and healthy and happy."
Brandt concluded his point by saying:
"Next, he's with Shaq and they're debating who has better TV commercials. Do you hear anything there that says, 'You know what? What I really wish I was doing was going to play for Todd Bowles on a really bad Bucs team."
For his former teammate Tom Brady, Gronkowski could really help a Buccaneers team in need of a spark. However, as Brandt said, that seems highly unlikely.
Tom Brady and the Buccaneers without Rob Gronkowski so far this season
So far this season, the play at the tight end has lacked heavily for the Bucs. The Buccaneers currently have four tight ends who haven't caught a pass this season. Those players are rookies Cade Otten and Ko Kieft, along with veterans Kyle Rudolph and Cameron Brate.
In the 2022-23 season, the tight ends currently have a combined 33 receptions for 334 yards and zero touchdowns. For perspective, Rob Gronkowski had 45 receptions, 623 yards, and seven touchdowns in the 2020-21 season for the Buccaneers.
Gronkowski followed that up in the 2021-22 season with 55 receptions for 802 yards and six touchdowns.
Right now, Brady misses his teammate and friend. Together, they won four Super Bowls (three with the New England Patriots and one with the Buccaneers). However, the 32-year-old tight end seems content with staying away from the football field.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit Kyle Brandt's Basement and H/T Sportskeeda.
