On 1st February, Tom Brady officially announced his retirement from football following numerous rumors and denials. The announcement sparked a surge of congratulatory messages on social media. A day after the announcement, Rob Gronkowski took to Instagram and reflected on his long journey with the seven-time Super Bowl Champion.

Rob Gronkowski, Brady‘s longtime former teammate shared an Instagram post with the caption: “Tommy Boy!!! This football journey with you has been nothing short of special.” Gronk thanked Brady for his countless hours of dedication to football, his team, and his teammates.

Additionally, he mentioned their 12-year friendship and the records they broke along the way, along with their victories in the Super Bowl. Gronk added, “If you commit even just 10% of what you committed to football in whatever you do next, you will be super duper successful.” He finally concluded, “I witnessed greatness for so many years and got to learn from the best to ever do it. You’re a legend and always will be.”

Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski have been teammates since the New England Patriots picked Gronkowski in the NFL 2010 draft. They have played together throughout the past decade, and have shared four Super Bowl championships. In 2019, Gronk announced his retirement. Fortunately, Brady convinced him to come out of retirement shortly thereafter. In 2020, Rob Gronkowski rejoined Buccaneers‘ quarterback Brady. Finally, the duo won their fourth and final Super Bowl together in 2021.

Read More: Tom Brady Sr Clears Up His Son’s Retirement Rumors: ‘Tommy Has Not Made a Final Decision One Way Or the Other and Anybody Else That Says That He Has Is Absolutely Wrong’

Although Brady has retired from football, the Tommy-Gronky friendship remains strong, and Gronk in his Instagram post reflected on their 12-year journey together.

With Tom Brady retired, is Gronk’s NFL career on the horizon?

There has been uncertainty regarding Gronk’s future in the NFL ever since Tom Brady announced his retirement. The uncertainty results from the Gronk’s desire to enter the Hall of Fame along with his best friend. Rob himself feels that if he were forced to decide now, he would say no and probably announce his retirement. He said to TMZ news, “If they’re like, ‘Rob, you’ve got to decide right now, right this second if you’re playing next year,’ I would say no right now,”

The Buccaneers have been supportive of him, and would be glad to have him back for the next season. After speaking with Gronk, Bucs’ GM, Jason Licht said that he’s willing to give him all the time he needs. Additionally, he recognized his excellence, which contributed to the team’s success this season. Finally, he said, “We would welcome Rob back with open arms, but we’re giving him his space right now to decide on what he wants to do.”

While we are not sure what Rob Gronkowski will decide. Whether he’ll choose to play for the Bucs again or enter the Hall of Fame with his best friend. The Buccaneers have been supportive of him and will respect whatever decision he makes.

Also Read: Tom Brady Reveals His Chief Reason for Possible Retirement: ‘I’m Trying to Make a Great Decision For Me and My Family’