Rob Gronkowski Jokes About NFL Return-But Don’t Expect a Comeback Tour
With Philip Rivers making headlines after signing to the Colts’ practice squad nearly five years post-retirement, the NFL rumor mill is back in full swing. And naturally, when a former Pro Bowl quarterback reappears, fans and media alike start wondering: Who else might lace up the cleats one more time?
Enter Rob Gronkowski.
The former Patriots and Buccaneers tight end made an appearance on NFL Network’s The Insiders this week, and the question was inevitable-what would it take for Gronk to come out of retirement again?
Is @RobGronkowski thinking about a comeback after seeing Philip Rivers sign with the Colts?
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) December 11, 2025
He tells @TomPelissero and @judybattista that he needs a specific scenario to happen... 😅 pic.twitter.com/hSDTjc1dG4
Gronk’s answer? Classic Gronk. Equal parts tongue-in-cheek and oddly specific.
“I would maybe go back if a team was like, ‘Hey, can you give us some great looks on the scout team, and we’re going to pay you a legitimate bonus, like a million bucks or something right on the spot,’” Gronkowski said. “And all you gotta do is practice Wednesday, Thursday and Friday on the practice squad. Show us some legitimate looks at the tight ends that we’re going against and just go out there and practice and have fun and get our guys better.”
He paused, then added with a laugh, “That might actually be a pretty cool case. I might have to think about that. The chances of that happening are 1%, but I would have to just think about it and lay my options on the table.”
Translation: Don’t hold your breath.
Gronkowski’s hypothetical scenario isn’t exactly a comeback blueprint-it’s more like a playful “what if” from a guy who’s clearly enjoying retirement. And while the idea of Gronk running scout team routes for a contending team is entertaining, it’s not something he’s seriously entertaining.
Let’s not forget, Gronk’s career is already the stuff of legend. He walked away from the game after the 2021 season with four Super Bowl rings, all earned alongside Tom Brady. He dominated for nine seasons in New England before stepping away in 2018, sat out the 2019 season, and then returned for a two-year run in Tampa Bay that saw him win one more title and remind everyone exactly what made him one of the most unguardable tight ends in NFL history.
Physically, Gronk has taken his share of hits. Mentally, he’s spoken openly about the grind of the NFL and the toll it took on his body. So while the idea of him suiting up again might be fun to imagine, it’s clear he’s not itching to take another snap-unless, of course, someone’s offering a million bucks to run some scout team drills.
In the end, Gronk’s comments are more about having fun with the idea than seriously plotting a return. He’s still very much part of the football world-just not in pads and cleats. And with his charisma and football IQ, he doesn’t need to be on the field to make an impact.
So while Rivers might be back in a Colts uniform (practice squad or not), Gronk’s staying retired-for now. Just don’t rule out a surprise appearance... on a practice field, for a cool million, three days a week. Maybe.