Buccaneers' Rob Gronkowski Will Retire When Tom Brady Does, Brother Chris Says

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski's brother, Chris Gronkowski, believes Gronk's NFL future depends primarily on that of quarterback Tom Brady.

In an interview with TMZ Sports, Chris was asked when he believes Rob intends to retire for good:

"I think Rob will play it out until Tom plays it out is what I'm thinking," Chris said.

Chris also expressed his belief that "whatever Tom has left" is what Gronk has left as well, adding: "I just can't see him playing with another quarterback. It's tough to get that chemistry. It's tough to win once you lose that QB."

Gronk retired in 2019, but he came out of retirement last season to join Brady in Tampa Bay and played a key role in the Bucs winning the Super Bowl.

When factoring in his one-year hiatus, the 32-year-old Gronkowski is in the midst of his 11th NFL season. Each of them has been spent with Brady as his starting quarterback.

In his first nine seasons with the New England Patriots, Gronk was a five-time Pro Bowler and four-time first-team All-Pro, and he teamed with Brady to win three Super Bowls.

Gronkowski averaged an impressive 58 catches for 873 yards and nearly nine touchdowns per season during his Pats tenure as well.

After retiring because of mounting injuries, Gronk came out of retirement when Brady signed with the Bucs as a free agent last offseason. New England traded Gronkowski to Tampa Bay, and his connection with TB12 was reborn.

Gronk didn't put up huge numbers last season with 45 grabs for 623 yards and seven touchdowns, but he reeled in two touchdowns in the Super Bowl and was key in the Buccaneers beating the Kansas City Chiefs to secure a championship.

Gronkowski entered 2021 with four career Super Bowl wins, while Brady has a remarkable seven to his credit.

Brady and Gronk already look honed in and ready to defend their title, as they both came through with big performances in a 31-29 win over the Dallas Cowboys on opening night.

Gronk had eight receptions for 90 yards and two touchdowns, while the 44-year-old Brady threw for 379 yards and four touchdowns with two interceptions.

The Brady-to-Gronkowski connection is showing no signs of slowing down yet, which could mean trouble for the rest of the NFL moving forward.