Rob Gronkowski Considering NFL Comeback? Potential Return and Broncos Buzz

The NFL world is buzzing with speculation that former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski could be eyeing yet another comeback. Considered one of the greatest tight ends in league history, Gronkowski played nine seasons with the Patriots, where he won three Super Bowl titles alongside quarterback Tom Brady. After initially retiring in 2019 due to injuries and wear and tear, he made a surprising return in 2020, joining Brady in Tampa Bay and playing a key role in the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl LV victory.

Now, with two years of retirement behind him, sources suggest that Gronkowski is once again considering a return to the field. While many assumed that any comeback would be tied to Brady, who has since moved into an ownership role with the Las Vegas Raiders, Gronk appears to be charting his own path.

Gronkowski Training for a Possible Return

One of the biggest signs pointing toward a potential return is Gronkowski’s rigorous offseason training. Sources indicate that he has been working out in Vail, Colorado, where he is focusing on high-altitude conditioning to improve his endurance and overall fitness. Training at elevation is a common technique used by elite athletes to push their physical limits, and for someone like Gronkowski—who has battled multiple injuries throughout his career—this type of preparation suggests he is serious about a return.

At 35 years old, Gronkowski is far from the oldest player to return to the league, and after a couple of years off, his body may have had time to heal from the toll of nearly a decade in the NFL. Many former players, including his longtime quarterback Tom Brady, have emphasized that time away from the game can actually rejuvenate a player’s physical abilities and mental approach.

Could the Broncos Be Gronk’s Next Destination?

While no team has officially confirmed interest, one franchise continues to come up in discussions: the Denver Broncos. There are several factors that could make this a logical landing spot for Gronkowski.

First, the Gronkowski family already has ties to Denver. His brothers, Chris and Dan, both had short stints with the Broncos over a decade ago, and sources suggest that the Gronkowski family has a strong affinity for the city and the organization.

Second, Gronkowski reportedly has a great deal of respect for Broncos head coach Sean Payton, whom he worked alongside at Fox Sports during the 2022 season. Payton is known for his offensive creativity, and a dynamic playmaker like Rob Gronkowski could thrive in his system.

Additionally, Denver’s quarterback situation might be another factor. Sources indicate that Gronk has been keeping an eye on rookie quarterback Bo Nix, the Broncos’ first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. If Nix performs well in training camp and preseason, the idea of joining an up-and-coming quarterback in an offense that values tight end play could be appealing to Gronkowski.

Would Gronkowski Fit in Denver?

The Broncos have a significant need at tight end, making a potential Gronkowski signing a logical move. Currently, their depth at the position lacks a true game-changer, and adding a proven veteran like Gronk could provide an immediate boost to the offense.

Beyond his production on the field, Gronkowski’s leadership and championship experience could be invaluable to a young team trying to establish itself in the AFC. The Broncos have struggled to find consistent success in recent years, and bringing in a future Hall of Famer could help shift the culture in the locker room.

What Would a Gronkowski Signing Mean for the Broncos’ Future?

If Denver were to sign Gronkowski, it could impact their long-term plans, particularly when it comes to the 2025 NFL Draft. A move like this would likely indicate that the Broncos are focused on winning now rather than continuing a complete rebuild.

Additionally, it raises questions about their future investments at tight end. If Gronkowski joins the team and performs at a high level, does that change their draft strategy? Would they hold off on targeting a young tight end in next year’s draft, or would they still pursue a long-term option while utilizing Gronkowski as a short-term boost?

Will Gronk Make Another Run?

At this point, Gronkowski’s return remains speculation, but there’s enough smoke to suggest that something could be in the works. His offseason training, his connection to Denver, and his admiration for Sean Payton all point to the possibility of one final NFL run.

If Gronk does decide to return, it will be interesting to see if the Broncos—or another team—take a chance on one of the most dominant tight ends in league history. As former Broncos coach Gary Kubiak famously said, “We’re fixin’ to find out.”