When Rob Gronkowski announced his retirement from football for the first time, he had to make a difficult call to his ship captain, Tom Brady.
Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski were the famed duo of the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who delivered the prized Heisman trophy to their respective clubs, but the road to those titles was not simple.
Tom Brady was called by Rob Gronkowski
A month and a half after Brady and Gronkowski won the Super Bowl for the sixth time, the 29-year-old tight end announced his retirement from football. One of the most difficult people to break the news to was his ship captain, Tom Brady, who still had some years to give to football.
Gronkowski spoke with Fox Sports on the difficult decision. “It was a little tough,” said Rob, who took up the phone and phoned to contact the renowned #12. ‘I’m retiring from football,’ he said as he had to break the news.
He was already crying when he heard his voice, so his emotions were running high. “I was definitely teary-eyed when I called him because I know how deeply we have a connection on and off the field.” It was difficult to say goodbye to someone – to the best player in gaming history. And I’m leaving football before he does,” he explained.
Gronk was well aware that Brady would have to play his final season with the Patriots without his pal. “And he’s been in the game before me and after me… Because we just know how deep of a friendship and relationship we have from the game of football.”
Years later, Gronk received a different call: Brady urged him to come out of retirement and join the Buccaneers to help him bring home the silver trophy, and they did, despite many doubters.