Rob Gronkowski did his best recently to squash all of the rumors of a comeback at some point during the 2019 season, but there are apparently even some members of the New England Patriots organization who are not buying it.
Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report cites numerous sources — including some with the Patriots — who believe Gronkowski will eventually miss football and want to play again this upcoming season. Freeman said his sources even went as far as to say “you can count on it.”
Gronkowski has suffered numerous significant injuries throughout his career, and he was nowhere near as explosive last season as he was earlier in his career. While he made some enormous plays in the playoffs, he averaged just 3.6 catches per game during the regular season and scored three touchdowns. He may only be 30, but Gronk hardly retired at the top of his game.
When asked over the weekend if the comeback rumors can be put to rest, Gronkowski insisted he is truly retired and not planning on playing again. However, there have been several people close to him who have not ruled out him returning. Gronk has also dumped fuel on the fire by cracking his own jokes about retirement.
The Patriots are as thin as ever at the tight end position after releasing Austin Seferian-Jenkins on Tuesday. They could come calling at some point, and it seems like many people would be surprised if Gronk doesn’t listen.
