Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski’s Friendship Through the Years: From the Patriots to the Buccaneers

Few friendships in NFL history have stood the test of time like Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski’s. From their early days in New England to their unforgettable reunion in Tampa Bay, their connection has gone beyond football—it’s a brotherhood built on trust, dominance, and a whole lot of fun. But what makes their friendship so legendary? Let’s dive into their greatest moments and how they became one of the most iconic duos in sports.


The Brady and Gronkowski saga started in 2010 when Gronk was selected by the New England Patriots in the second round. The minute he set foot on the field, everyone could tell that Brady and Gronk had something special. In his first season as a rookie, Brady threw 59 passes to him, leading to 10 touchdowns, signaling the beginning of their iconic tandem. The rapport was immediate—Gronk's athleticism, size, and goofy nature fit Brady's accuracy and leadership perfectly.

Brady and Gronk first won a Super Bowl together against the Seattle Seahawks. Gronk caught a 22-yard touchdown pass from Brady in the game, confirming their on-field chemistry. This was only the start of their reign, as they continued to win three Super Bowls (2014, 2016, and 2018) with the Patriots, becoming one of the greatest quarterback-tight end combinations in NFL history.


In 2020, after two decades in New England, Brady made the shocking decision to leave the Patriots for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And in one of the most iconic NFL moves ever, he convinced Gronkowski to come out of retirement and join him. Their magic didn’t miss a beat. During their first season together, they brought the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl LV championship, with Gronk scoring two touchdowns in the championship game. Their chemistry was still as solid as ever, winning them another title to their résumé.


Gronk and Brady's friendship was not all about winning championships—it was filled with funny shenanigans and hilarious pranks.

One of the most hilarious moments was on April Fool's Day when Gronk played the old hand-in-water trick on Brady while he was sleeping and got him to wet the bed.

Their chemistry was also evident in 2020 when they did a Buccaneers friendship challenge, gliding through it with ease and demonstrating their intimate knowledge of each other's idiosyncrasies.

Their on-field plays weren't their only antics, however—Brady's mock-Gronk act at a press conference was howling hilarious, and Gronk showing up to a White House press conference following a Patriots Super Bowl victory was quintessential Gronk stuff.

Most recently, their bond was on full display during Brady’s Netflix roast, where Gronk delivered side-splitting jokes about their friendship, proving once again that their relationship was built as much on laughter as it was on football.
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