Tom Brady has a very large platform to pitch Rob Gronkowski on an NFL comeback.
But the New England Patriots quarterback would rather not make that pitch publicly.
In an interview Monday on WEEI's "The Greg Hill Show," Brady said he's not pushing for Gronkowski to return to the Patriots following his retirement in March.
"I love that guy. I am so happy he's enjoying his time," Brady said, via WEEI.com. "I'm happy that he's enjoying life. He seems to be doing a lot of great things. He knows how I feel about him and I want what is best for him. He’s the only person that can make those decisions. I don't lobby for those things."
Gronk has been active in retirement, partnering with a company that sells CBD-based pain relief medications and this past week joining FOX as an NFL analyst. The 30-year-old hasn't completely ruled out an NFL return, though, and stayed in shape this past offseason by working out at least once with his former QB.
Brady is aware of all the Gronk speculation, but believes Patriots fans should appreciate what the tight end did in New England rather than fret over if he's coming back.
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"He has given actually a hell of a lot to our team already over the course of a long period of time," Brady added, "and I think people should be very appreciative for what he’s brought to the team and what he’s brought to the region.
"I thik he's a very special guy. He's just in a different phase of his life."
If Gronkowski is interested in returning at some point, Brady likely will be among the first to reach out to him. But the Patriots QB seems to support whatever path his former tight end chooses.
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