If there’s one thing we’ve learned about Rob Gronkowski over the years, it’s that you never quite know what he’s going to do next - and that includes the possibility, however slim, of another NFL comeback.
Gronk dropped a classic Gronk nugget this week when asked about the idea of pulling a Philip Rivers and coming out of retirement, even if it’s just to join a practice squad. Rivers, the 44-year-old former Chargers and Colts quarterback, signed with Indianapolis’ practice squad on Tuesday and could be suiting up this Sunday against the Seahawks. It’s been nearly five years since Rivers last played in a game - January 9, 2021 - but here he is, back in the mix.
So what about Gronk? Would he ever consider a similar path?
“I would maybe go back if a team was like, ‘Hey, can you give us some great looks on the scout team?’” Gronkowski told NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Judy Battista.
“We’re going to pay you a legitimate bonus, like a million bucks bonus, and all you gotta do is practice Wednesday, Thursday and Friday on the practice squad and show us some legitimate looks of the tight ends that we’re going against. Just go out there and practice and have fun and get our guys better.”
He paused, then added with a grin: “That actually might be a pretty cool case - you know, I might have to think about that. The chances of that happening are 1 percent, but I would have to just think about it and lay my options on the table.”
Now, let’s be clear - this wasn’t Gronk issuing a formal comeback announcement. It was more tongue-in-cheek than anything, the kind of light-hearted hypothetical that’s vintage Gronk.
But with him, you can never fully rule anything out. After all, this is the same guy who retired in 2019, only to get lured back to the field a year later by Tom Brady after TB12 signed with the Buccaneers.
That reunion turned into a championship run, with Gronk catching two touchdowns in the Bucs’ dominant 31-9 win over the Chiefs in Super Bowl LV. It was a reminder that even after time away from the game, Gronk could still deliver on the biggest stage.
Just last month, Gronkowski signed a ceremonial one-day contract to retire officially as a New England Patriot - a fitting end for a player who helped define a dynasty. Over his 11-year career - nine seasons in Foxborough, two in Tampa - Gronk racked up four Super Bowl rings and 92 regular-season touchdown catches. He wasn’t just a tight end; he was a matchup nightmare, a red zone machine, and one of the most dominant offensive weapons of his era.
And while the odds of a return are slim - “1 percent,” by his own admission - he wouldn’t be the first star to walk away and then walk right back in. We’ve seen it before with legends like Tom Brady, Randy Moss, Brett Favre, Deion Sanders, and Jason Witten. Even Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner recently shared on the “Scoop City” podcast that he once considered a return if the Cardinals had called - though that call never came.
So, could Gronk really suit up again, even just for scout team reps and a little locker room fun? Probably not.
But if the right team, the right offer, and the right vibe came along? Well, let’s just say we’ve seen stranger things in the NFL.
For now, Gronk seems content in retirement - but don’t be surprised if he keeps the door cracked open, just a sliver. Because with Gronk, anything is always on the table… even a million-dollar practice squad cameo.