Jets head coach Adam Gase doesn't seem all that convinced that we've seen the last of Rob Gronkowski on the football field.
Gronkowski announced his retirement Sunday via a statement on Instagram, and the Patriots tight end seemed adamant about his decision. But players have changed their minds before, which has Gase taking a "believe it when I see it" approach to the news that Gronk will no longer be giving him headaches.
“I had a couple people text me, 'I’ll believe it when we walk out there and he’s not out there',” Gase said on The Adam Schefter Podcast. “I think he released a statement, but I don’t know. I’ve seen so many guys go back and forth. I just know he’s a great player and if he’s not there, that’s going to be a transition for them.”
Gase isn't the only one who believes a return is possible for Gronkowski. Even Gronk's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, wouldn't rule it out.
But assuming Gronkowski's career indeed is over, the Patriots are left with a massive void at the tight end position. Gase, formerly the Dolphins' head coach, explained just how much of a nightmare it was to gameplan for the future Hall of Famer.
“It was always a matchup issue,” Gase told Schefter. “You always had to decide, ‘Do we put a corner on him? Do you put two guys on him? Put a safety on him?’ He caused all kinds of problems and opened up a lot of things for them, whether it was other wide receivers, run game – he’s a tough guy to go against one-on-one.”
New England Patriots
It remains to be seen whether Gronk will have a change of heart somewhere down the road. For now, though, it looks like the Pats will have to either fill his spot via the free-agent market or the upcoming NFL Draft.
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