TAMPA, Fla. – The “Tommy and Gronky Show” returns for another season when the two get their way.
Rob Gronkowski, the tight end of Tampa Bay Buccaneers, said on Sunday that he wants to return in 2021 after retirement to join best friend Tom Brady this season.
“Yes, you have to,” Gronkowski said Sunday in an interview with former Patriot Willie McGinest on NFL Network. “I feel like this team was built to win now. It was put together this year to win now. It always comes to mind; you think a little bit about the future – I can definitely see this team. talent that will come back and a successful run with me again next year. “
Gronkowski was asked 11 days ago if he would return. But at that point he couldn’t give a definitive answer.
“It’s just the start of the playoffs now,” said Gronkowski, before Tampa Bay’s wildcard win over Washington, a game in which he didn’t have a single flyout but played a key role in keeping Brady clean in the pocket. “There is always a time for that. The time to think about that is after the season has ended.”
It turns out he has already made up his mind, even with the Bucs still in the playoff hunt, facing the New Orleans Saints Sunday in the NFC division round, a team that swept them 2-0 in the regular season.
“This time it must be different,” said Gronkowski. “We really didn’t have that much success against them, especially in the second game. They absolutely hit our butts. But the third time is a charm. We have to go out, and we have to play our best football if we want a chance to play. to win. “
Brady and Gronkowski also have the chance to break Joe Montana and Jerry Rice’s record for most touchdowns between a QB and the receiving target.
“It’s time [to break that tie], “Gronkowski said.” We are in the playoffs. It didn’t happen last week. I get another chance this week. You know I’m going for that, honey. You know we’re going for that record. … It must be done. “
The Bucs have several protagonists who will become unlimited free agents after the season in Gronkowski, Antonio Brown, Leonard Fournette, Shaq Barrett, Lavonte David and Ndamukong Suh, but they will have nearly $ 30 million in salary cap – eighth – the most in the league .
Gronkowski was also asked about the difference between Bruce Arians and Bill Belichick.
He said, “They are certainly both great coaches. I love being coached, but one of the greatest things I would just say is… the freedom! The freedom to just be yourself with the coaches.”