Henry Roldán
For some, hopes for another Rob Gronkowski comeback are not over, but for others, like Mike Evans, that situation looks pretty far off.
The Buccaneers’ star wide receiver was asked about Gronk’s retirement and whether he expected him to reverse his decision at some point during the preseason, as he has done in the past.
When asked on KPRC 2 Houston, Evans was quite blunt in stating that while he hopes in his heart of hearts that this happens, he believes Gronkowski no longer wishes to return to the NFL.
I hope he comes back. With Tom[Brady] and Gronk you never know. I wouldn’t be mad if he came back. I’d be excited. But I think he’s done. He plays the tight end position with max effort, he takes a pretty big beating. I’ve seen his body after some of the games and I understand why (he retired) [se retiraría].
Mike Evans on Rob Gronkowski’s retirement
Mike Evans also took the opportunity to confess that the loss of Gronkowski is important because of the importance of having one of the best tight ends in the history of the team, but he still believes that Tampa Bay is ready for great things in the upcoming campaign.
It hurts to lose Gronk. He’s one of the best tight ends ever. But we’re gonna have to make up for that in other areas. I have to play better. The running backs have to play better. Collectively we have to play better. We’re gonna miss Gronk, but I feel like we can still compete for a Super Bowl this year.
Mike Evans on Tampa Bay’s aspirations
Mike Evans No, but Others Believe Rob Gronkowski’s NFL Return Will Happen
While Mike Evans was quite clear in thinking Gronkowski is completely retired from American football, other names around the tight end think otherwise.
An example of this is his own agent, Drew Rosenhaus, who on the same day the player announced his retirement confessed that he would not be surprised if he returned to play this season or next season.
Gronkowski had already retired once following the 2018 campaign after undergoing multiple back surgeries. However, after a year away, he returned in 2020 to action with the Buccaneers, and his friend Tom Brady, to win another Super Bowl.
