Derrick Brooks Isn’t Buying Gronk’s Forever Goodbye
July 13th, 2022
Yeah, yeah, yeah, Rob Gronkowski said again yesterday that he’s finished with football.
Joe wouldn’t bet a nickel on it, and neither would Buccaneers legend Derrick Brooks.
Before Gronk repeated his claim that he’s 100 percent retired, Brooks was a doubter, and today he doubled down on that during his visit to WDAE radio.
After chuckling about how Gronk definitely is retired for now, Brooks suggested a late-season return for Gronk complemented by the Bucs having a significant need in their offense would get Gronk off the couch and eager to talk.
“As I said last week, if there’s a window of opportunity that formulates for him to come in and play this role and be successful, I think he’ll listen to it. …,” Brooks said. “I absolutely think he’ll take the phone call, listen and explore it to the fullest. And I only think he’ll do that for one team: the Bucs. So yes, I think the window is still open, to be honest with you, because of the success that he’s had here with this team.”
A Week 12 return was hypothesized by Brooks. That would follow the Bucs’ bye week, which is after their Week 10 “home game” in Germany.
All the Gronk speculation is a lot of fun, but Joe would much prefer the Bucs have no need for Gronk after getting a solid veteran replacement into training camp and the guy performing well.
July 13th, 2022 at 4:00 pm
Can’t we put this in the rear-view mirror?
July 13th, 2022 at 4:03 pm
No means no.
July 13th, 2022 at 4:12 pm
@Passing,
Indeed no means no. But in this case, no means perhaps maybe? LOL.
Not sure if Gronk will come back. If he does, it’s gravy for this season and playoffs. If he doesn’t, it means the Bucs will need to find other ways to dominate and win without him.
I have faith in this coaching staff. I think we will be very competitive this year.
July 13th, 2022 at 4:12 pm
Having Gronk for the playoffs would make the Bucs much more dangerous and give them an additional wrinkle that they may miss the entire season. It would put pressure on opposing coordinators, because i’m sure the Bucs offensive schemes would change to fit Gronk in. He just needs to play the last few regular seasons games to knock off any rust. Just like we have witnessed him do in his first year with the Bucs and in his second year after he returned from injury.
July 13th, 2022 at 4:14 pm
PS:
Joe,
Every team has a need for a Gronk. EVERY. TEAM. Ammiright?
July 13th, 2022 at 5:22 pm
I want to see the rookies shine, with Brate having his best season since we stupidly drafted Howard.
July 13th, 2022 at 5:27 pm
Double Gronk-a-day today
July 13th, 2022 at 5:45 pm
The porch light will be on, Gronk.
July 13th, 2022 at 5:49 pm
He will ABSOLUTELY be back if Brady is still standing and the Bucs are playing Playoff football this Thanksgiving.
Whatever Loveable Lumbering Gronk has lost in his game is made up for with the way Gronk and Brady read the game, he’ll be among the first of the Playoff specialists to come out of retirement, something other teams will begin to use.
July 13th, 2022 at 6:35 pm
He said he’s done.
July 13th, 2022 at 7:28 pm
Brooks having a rough time lately
July 13th, 2022 at 8:07 pm
It doesn’t matter how physically impaired Gronk is; he isn’t done Derrick Brooks says so.
July 13th, 2022 at 9:06 pm
I don’t understand how many times he has to say no he isn’t coming back for people to listen. Just when you thought them gronkaday articles were done they hit you with two geez has the season started yet go bucs.
July 13th, 2022 at 11:19 pm
This is like being in Vegas and someone saying that slot machine isn’t hitting and you win 10,000.
Then you think every slot machine in the whole place is a winner.
Just because TB came out of retirement and Gronk has before, doesn’t mean he will again.
A punctured lung is ridiculous. How many weeks of work and life changes would YOU make after a year with a punctured lung. Geez.
Let’s just be happy we have the greatest QB of all time, and see how they spend the 12 Mill they still have.
I for one am more excited about a shiny NEW toy over a used one.
Not saying Gronk isn’t my favorite TE of all time, just sometimes new blood is needed and I believe our team got stale last year.
July 14th, 2022 at 7:29 am
One way to get the media off your back is to announce your retirement. I am guessing that Gronk goes silent for awhile and enjoys life for a few more months before possibly coming back.
July 14th, 2022 at 2:01 pm
I think once he sees the Bucs at 13-0, he’ll come back.
July 14th, 2022 at 4:40 pm
Gronk said he is done with football
Is football done with him ?