Nearly three years have passed since former NFL star Rob Gronkowski announced his retirement from his playing career. That hasn’t stopped speculation from continuing to surface that the four-time Super Bowl Champion will return to the field.
The rumors reached new heights on Tuesday after a report from Denver Sport’s Cecil Lammey that Gronkowski was training for an NFL comeback and that he had interest in playing for the Broncos.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport shut down the hearsay with two words as the combine kicks off in Indianapolis.
“Nope. Nonsense,” Rapoport wrote on Twitter.
Gronkowski spent two seasons with the Buccaneers, coming out of his initial retirement to play with Tom Brady in Tampa Bay. He helped lead the franchise to a victory against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV. In his final season before stepping away from the game, Gronkowski caught 55 passes for 802 yards and six touchdowns.
The rambunctious personality began his NFL career with the New England Patriots as a second-round pick in 2010. Gronkowski developed into one of the stars of the league, recording 1,000+ yards in three of four seasons from 2014-17. He’s a five-time Pro Bowler and a four-time first-team All-Pro.Feb 7, 2021; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) and tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrate after beating the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Gronkowski led the league in touchdowns in 2011. He was the comeback player of the league in 2014 after being limited to seven games the prior season while undergoing multiple surgeries on his forearm and dealing with an ACL/MCL tear.
Since hanging up his cleats, Gronkowski has settled in as a studio analyst for FOX Sports as he carves out the next chapter in his life.
Gronkowski ranks third all-time among tight ends in receiving touchdowns (92) and sixth in receiving yards (9,286). He holds the top spot for touchdown catches (79) in Patriots franchise history and sits at second in receiving yards (7,861)
