Tom Brady Won’t Ask Rob Gronkowski to Return to Patriots

Even though they're 6-0, the Patriots have struggled to replace Gronkowski this season

Tom Brady Won't Ask Rob Gronkowski to Return to Patriots
Tom Brady reacts with Rob Gronkowski during the 2019 AFC divisional playoff game. (Maddie Meyer/Getty)
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If Rob Gronkowski does decide to come out of retirement and return to the Patriots, it won’t be because Tom Brady asked him to.

During his weekly radio appearance on “The Greg Hill Show,” the 42-year-old quarterback said he won’t be lobbying for the Pro Bowl tight end to return to the team even though New England’s offense could surely use him.

“I love that guy. I’m so happy that he’s enjoying his time, his life,” Brady said. “He seems to really be doing a lot of great things. He knows how I feel about him. I want what’s best for him. He’s the only person that can make those decisions. I don’t lobby for those things.”

Brady added that Gronkowski has already given “a hell of a lot” to the team and that people “should be very appreciative” of everything he’s done.

Even though they’re undefeated at 6-0, the Patriots have really struggled to replace Gronkowski this season as tight ends Ryan Izzo (six catches for 114 yards and a touchdown) and Matt LaCosse (three catches for 55 yards and no scores) have failed to block or stretch the field in the same way Gronk did when he was playing.

Gronkowski, 30, made his broadcasting debut on Fox’s NFL pregame show on Thursday night prior to the Patriots taking on the Giants.

“I would have to be feeling it – feeling it big time to come back,” he said of a potential comeback. “It’s always going to be open in my mind.”

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