Rob Gronkowski Not Sure He Wants To Get Beat Up
April 7th, 2022
Network TV appearance.
So for the first time since probably the playoffs, Bucs foot-rubbing tight end Rob Gronkowski sat down for an interview.
But it wasn’t with Adam Schefter or Jay Glazer of Sara Walsh. No, it was with Jimmy Kimmel.
The future Hall of Fame tight end appeared on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” last night and talked some Bucs football. Kimmel tried to be sly with football questions hoping Gronk would admit he will or will not play for the Bucs this fall.
After a few questions, Kimmel admitted he was hoping to trick Gronk into spilling the beans but confessed his tactics weren’t working so he quit prying.
Gronk did say he is working out 2-3 times a week.
Gronk discussed Tom Brady returning and Kimmel asked Gronk if he felt a responsibility to return to the Bucs because Brady is back. Kimmel said Gronk and Brady are like the NFL version of “Batman and Robin” or “Starsky and Hutch.”
Here was Gronk’s answer:
“A little bit,” Gronk said. “That duo [with Brady], it is so hard to get that connection, especially in the NFL world where it doesn’t last that long to see someone have that connection for 11+ years. It is definitely in the back of my mind.”
So why hasn’t Gronk come back yet? He admitted he’s not sure if he wants to get beaten up for 17 games plus the playoffs. Gronk did say he really wants to rejoin his teammates and he loves that part of the game, but the “brutal” punishment he takes each week might just be too much for him at this point in his life.
As for Brady, Gronk said, “I was not surprised at all” he unretired. But then Gronk offered interesting comments.
“I was actually surprised at how quick [Brady’s retirement] was,” Gronk said. “I thought he was possibly going to take a year off.”
Gronk said he got a text from Brady that he would return on the same day Brady tipped off Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
“He shot me a quick text and I was like, ‘Oh, it’s the day before free agency. There he goes again with his tricks,'” Gronk said. “Free agency hits so he is unretiring so everyone stays in Tampa.”
Gronk also added if Brady wants to, Gronk can easily see him playing until he is 50 because of how he takes care of himself and his unmatched work ethic.
April 7th, 2022 at 5:23 am
I think Gronk is being honest here. There’s just so much a body, especially his oft-injured one, can take. This unfortunately forces the team to find a starting TE somehow. Free agency list is depleted now, very sucky. Draft is lacking TEs who can block. Can Licht pull of a trade for someone?
April 7th, 2022 at 5:43 am
I’m sure the Bucs will be taking a TE in this draft. The question is when. If they’re looking for a plug in starter, would have to be a high pick.
April 7th, 2022 at 5:48 am
I don’t blame him, but the Bucs need him. As Joe says, put him on a limited pitch count.
April 7th, 2022 at 5:58 am
There are a few good blocking TEs – Woods from UVA is someone I like because he was used heavily at OK State to block before transferring to UVA where he showed his pass catching ability. He will probably be an early 3rd rd pick. There are also TEs available late in the Draft or even as UFAs if you just want a blocker with limited receiver ability.
I like Brate and Gronk, but the Bucs will probably replace its TEs completely over the next few years (1 FA and 2 draft picks?).
OJ – Did not re-sign, will replace in this year’s draft
Gronk – Maybe plays 1 or 2 more years at most
Brate – One year left on his contract, injuries, decreasing production, over 30
April 7th, 2022 at 6:50 am
Gronk looking like spicoli in that photo
April 7th, 2022 at 7:03 am
5 fractured ribs and a collapsed lung, hmm I can see his hesitancy. He loves the cohesiveness of a team environment but if there was drama last season he’s out, not his thing. He signs in June one and done.
April 7th, 2022 at 7:16 am
If the Bucs start looking at TE’s then you know he’s not coming back because I can assure Brady already knows. I’m not crazy about him admitting the beatens are concerning to him, that to me puts up a red flag for safeties and LB’s to tee off on him. It doesn’t help due to his size and dominance over the years refs tend to let a lot slide when it comes to Gronk. C’mon Gronk one more season, wouldn’t you think he would want Camille linking his wounds? Wink, wink.
April 7th, 2022 at 7:30 am
I believe we will draft a TE regardless of Gronk…..but I do believe Gronk will be back.
You can translate ” the “brutal” punishment he takes each week might just be too much for him at this point in his life.” to “I want to be paid”
April 7th, 2022 at 7:30 am
Love Gronk but aside from all the reports, Joe, that pic you chose of Gronk is killing me!!! lol he looks like Ben Seaver from the 80’s show Growing Pains!! i cant get it out of my head. lol Thanks Joe i needed that!
April 7th, 2022 at 7:36 am
Lol.. these Gronk teasers are amusing
April 7th, 2022 at 7:43 am
In 11 seasons, over 12 years, Gronkowski played in every game in a season three times. His first two seasons in the NFL and his first in Tampa after taking a season away from football. In 6 of his 11 seasons he has dealt with significant injuries that resulted in more than a couple of games missed. He missed 5 last season…and unlike Brady, he really did retire for an entire season already.
Life was good for him after football and he won a Super Bowl with Brady in Tampa already. If I were Gronk, I could easily talk myself into either choice, play or don’t play. As a fan, I hope he plays, as a person I will understand if does not.
April 7th, 2022 at 7:53 am
Bucs could sign a FA TE relatively “cheap” and a couple have the potential still in them IMO! Chris Herndon and Blake Jarwin as couple examples. Love me some Gronk, and I believe he comes back, but instead of drafting, both examples i gave are 28 and under… heck, you could bring in a seasoned vet in Rudolph, Cook or Ebron too!
April 7th, 2022 at 8:04 am
There is not a tight end in this draft worthy of a high pick. I don’t really see a plug and play tight end better sign another free agent tight end as insurance.
April 7th, 2022 at 8:09 am
I would be happy if he played limited snaps, like less than half of the regular season and more in the playoffs. He is a beast when healthy. We need him.
April 7th, 2022 at 9:44 am
So, he doesn’t think he wants to get beat up on the field anymore, but he does want to get into the fighting ring with some ape whose fondest desire is to rip his head off with bare hands ???
April 7th, 2022 at 10:01 am
Nothing against Gronk, but I think if two months on he still doesn’t know if he wants to play, it’s time to move on. Assume he’s not coming back and act accordingly.
April 7th, 2022 at 10:02 am
Thumbs up for the Jelani Woods rec, Bucs Guy. Besides what you mentioned, the dude is a physical freak.
There are some small school guys and great athletes at the position that can be had in the middle rounds. I can see the Bucs picking up one in the draft. Sure would be nice to have Gronk mentoring them.
April 7th, 2022 at 10:39 am
He’s toying around until after the draft….I know whats going on….Brady is probably in his ear to hold off until after the draft….all good….we’ll see him.
April 7th, 2022 at 10:41 am
Agree with the limited snap counts, but to be honest when you are in an important close game you go with the play count and personal packages to win. I don’t think in Gronk’s case, especially when Brady needs protection, he is going to be able to ride the bench.
April 7th, 2022 at 11:20 am
Gronk just wants to tease this out to avoid OTAs and maybe get a bigger bag. He will be back. A guy doesn’t go from talking about playing with Burrow, playing in Buffalo, and working out 2-3 times a week at the team facility if he’s seriously considering retiring.
Guys may want to stay fit after retirement, but they’ll usually ease into a workout routine after a couple months of R&R.
April 7th, 2022 at 12:09 pm
That’s his bargaining chip. Play or retirement. He doesn’t want to play anywhere else and if he does play he wants it to be here. Signing late also gets him out of the grind before training camp. I could see the Bucs signing him a week before or after training camp starts.
April 7th, 2022 at 5:27 pm
I think at this point it’s 50/50 he plays. I think if the team tries to pressure him for a decision now he retires. I honestly think Brady is the only one that can change Gronk’s mind after it’s made. But I think Gronk comes back a week or two before or after camp starts.
April 7th, 2022 at 8:08 pm
list
Your ignorance never ceases to amaze.
“wouldn’t you think he would want Camille linking his wounds? Wink, wink.”
Camille is licking whatever Gronk wishes whether he plays another down of football or not. Can see you’re not a ladies man eh? I NEVER played in college much less the NFL and I didn’t have to take a beating to get my wounds licked…wink wink.