STWF|TAMPA, Fla.|Nov. 9, 2025  — The band may have long since broken up, but the friendly fire between Rob Gronkowski and Tom Brady is alive and well. Ahead of the highly anticipated Week 10 matchup between their two former teams — the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Gronkowski used his FOX NFL Sunday platform to break some major news and land a playful jab at his old quarterback.

The four-time Super Bowl-winning tight end announced that he will sign a one-day contract with the Patriots this coming week to officially retire as a New England Patriot, closing the chapter on one of the most dominant partnerships in NFL history.

And while Brady refused to pick sides between his two former franchises, Gronk had no hesitation in making his allegiance clear.

“I’m a Patriot for Life”

Speaking during Sunday’s FOX NFL pregame show, Gronkowski shared the news live on air — much to the delight of Patriots fans watching across the country.

“Here’s some news first for everyone,” Gronkowski said. “I am signing a one-day contract with the Patriots this week coming up to retire as a Patriot and be a Patriot for life — just like all of you out there.”

The announcement was met with cheers from both fans and colleagues, and in true Gronk fashion, the tight end followed the heartfelt reveal with a bit of cheeky banter.

“So I’m going with the Patriots [to win],” Gronkowski continued. “But I know Tom — and he’s still bitter that the Patriots let him go for his final three seasons in the NFL. So he’s secretly rooting for the Buccaneers.”

It was classic Gronk: humor, honesty, and a touch of mischief, all wrapped in the charisma that made him one of football’s most beloved personalities.

Brady Fires Back — and Reminds Tampa of His Statue

Brady, who has seamlessly transitioned into his post-playing career as Fox Sports’ lead color commentator, didn’t take long to respond to his old teammate’s jab.

“Hey, I’ve got great friends on both sides,” Brady replied with a grin. “I’m not saying who I’m rooting for. I’m not really rooting for one or the other, but one team built me a statue… so the ball’s in your court, Tampa. Just saying.”

Brady’s quip was a nod to his 12-foot bronze statue recently unveiled outside Gillette Stadium, where the Patriots immortalized their six-time Super Bowl champion in September.

Meanwhile, Gronkowski — who spent nine of his 11 NFL seasons in New England — has also left his mark in Boston beyond football. This summer, he helped unveil the “Gronk Playground” along the Charles River Esplanade, continuing his legacy of giving back to the community that embraced him from day one.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft reportedly gave his blessing for Gronk’s one-day retirement deal, ensuring that one of the franchise’s most iconic players officially finishes his career where it began.

From Teammates to TV Personalities

Since retiring after the 2021 season, both Brady and Gronkowski have carved out new careers in the media world. Brady signed a 10-year, $375 million deal with Fox Sports to become their lead analyst, while Gronk joined the network’s studio team in 2022, bringing his trademark energy to Sunday broadcasts.

Brady has also ventured into ownership, purchasing a minority stake in the Las Vegas Raiders earlier this year. But even with their business ventures and media commitments, their competitive spirit — and brotherly banter — hasn’t gone anywhere.

Patriots Prevail in a Clash of Eras

As fate would have it, Gronk’s declaration came just hours before his old team pulled off one of its biggest wins of the season.

In a thrilling 28–23 road victory over the Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium, quarterback Drake Maye — Brady’s long-term successor in New England — outdueled Baker Mayfield in a gritty performance that underscored why the rookie has been climbing power rankings all season.

Maye completed 51.6 percent of his passes but made the big throws when it mattered, finishing with 270 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Wide receiver Kendrick Henderson emerged as the hero, hauling in the go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter before the Patriots’ defense sealed the win with a crucial stop.

The victory pushed Mike Vrabel’s Patriots to a 5–4 record, marking their first winning mark past midseason since Brady’s departure in 2020.

Legacy Cemented, Friendship Eternal

For Patriots Nation, Gronk’s one-day contract is more than just paperwork — it’s a reminder of an era defined by dominance, personality, and unparalleled success.

From the wild celebrations to the Super Bowl parades, Gronk and Brady’s connection remains one of the most iconic duos in NFL history. Their playful jabs only underline the mutual respect between two players who changed the game forever.

As Gronk put it, the future may belong to Maye and a new generation of Patriots, but the legacy of the Brady-Gronk era will forever loom large in Foxborough.