New England Patriots
“I’m not the one who makes the decisions over there,” Gronkowski said. “I wasn’t consulted at all, but I’m cool with it.”
Jim Davis/Globe Staff
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Two years ago, Tom Brady became the eighth player in Patriots history to have his jersey number retired by the franchise.
He is the only player to have Patriots jersey number retired during Robert Kraft’s time as owner, which began in 1994.
Pro Football Hall of Famer Ty Law wore No. 24 with the Patriots. Safety Dell Pettus now wears that number. Other former Patriots greats, including Rob Gronkowski, have seen current players wearing their numbers over the years.
So, what does Gronkowski think of Romeo Doubs wearing No. 87 these days? Kay Adams asked the legendary tight-end for his take during a recent appearance on “Up-&Adams.”
“I’m not the one who makes the decisions over there,” Gronkowski said. “I wasn’t consulted at all, but I’m cool with it. The only number that I believe should truly be retired in New England, which I think is retired but is not hung in the rafters or anything like that is the No. 12.
“That’s the only number that I truly believe,” Gronkowski added. “Tom set the standard. If you’re not on that page, playing for 20 years, I don’t think any other number should be retired. I think all other numbers should be very useful.”
Adams called out Gronkowski, saying that this was his “worst take.” Doubs caught none of his three targets during Week 1 and finished with zero receiving yards in the season-opening loss to defending champion Seattle.
“This has nothing to do with the player, you’re laughing but it could be anyone,” Adams said to a grinning Gronkowski. “It’s so absurd … you’re the greatest tight end to play the game of football.”
Gronkowski will become eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame next year in 2027. He is second on the all-time list for receiving touchdowns by a tight end (111), trailing only Tony Gonzalez despite the fact that Gonzalez played nearly twice as many games.
Gronkowski is sixth in receiving yards by a tight-end (9,286). He is tenth in catches by a tight-end (621). He won four Super Bowls with the Patriots, was selected first-team All-Pro four times, and made five Pro Bowls.
“It is absurd,” Adams said. “It is a failure by the organization that I know and love.”
Gronkowski smiled as Adams told him that he was being too nice about the subject. He signed a one-day contract with the team last year to officially retire as a Patriot and he will be inducted to the Patriots Hall of Fame on Nov. 7.
“I’m just going to let you speak about the matter,” Gronkowski said. “I plead the fifth over here and your consulting was wonderful.”
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