At the NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday, Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton was asked whether adding a tight end or a running back would best support the development of quarterback Bo Nix. The answer seemed to come in the form of a surprising rumor: Rob Gronkowski, one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, might be considering a comeback—and Denver could be his destination.
Cecil Lammey of KKFN-FM in Denver reported on Tuesday that Gronkowski is “considering a return to the NFL” and has a connection to Payton from their time working together at FOX. Lammey added that Gronkowski “loves Denver and QB Bo Nix.” The news sparked excitement among Broncos fans, as Gronkowski’s potential return could provide a massive boost to the offense. However, Gronkowski quickly shut down the speculation on Wednesday, telling Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports, “Crazy, bro. They must know something about me that I don’t. I wish I still had those powers because that would be cool if I did. But I was just in Australia for a few days. Now it’s time to relax a little. No football.”
Gronkowski, a four-time Super Bowl champion, four-time first-team All-Pro, and five-time Pro Bowler, last played in the 2021 season. He initially retired after the New England Patriots won Super Bowl LIII in 2019 but returned in 2020 to join Tom Brady with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, helping them win Super Bowl LV. While Gronkowski joked on his “Dudes on Dudes” podcast that playing football might be easier than his busy work and travel schedule with FOX Sports, he made it clear that a return to the NFL isn’t in the cards.
The Broncos, meanwhile, are focused on building around Nix, their second-year quarterback and the 12th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Nix started every game as a rookie, leading Denver to the playoffs for the first time since 2015. While Gronkowski won’t be joining the team, the Broncos will continue to explore ways to support Nix’s growth and build on their recent success.
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