TAMPA, Fla.- — Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady and tight end Rob Gronkowski’s on-field chemistry is top-notch, but their off-field rapport might be even better as they prepare for their eighth postseason together.
Brady shared a story of their friendship. In April 2016, Gronkowski was feeling out of shape for a GQ Magazine photoshoot. That’s when Gronk called up Brady for a quick throwing session.
“We threw probably 60 passes and we didn’t drop a ball,” Brady said. “The ball never hit the ground.”
As Brady tells the story, he switches to Gronk’s voice.
“He was like, ‘dude, that was great! That was perfect. That was just what I needed. I feel ripped now,’” Brady said. “He was ready for his photoshoot because of one day of the two of us working out together.”
The Buccaneers (10-5) are hoping that Brady and Gronk connection continues into the playoffs. Over the past three games, Gronk has six catches, three have gone for touchdowns.
“I love playing with the guy,” Brady said. “He knows how I feel about him. I’ve got a lot of trust and confidence in the biggest moments with him. sometimes i think about players where if it was the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl, who do I want in the game with me? He definitely fits that.”
The Bucs can lock up the No. 5 seed and a date with the NFC East champion in the first round of the playoffs on Sunday. All they need to do is beat the Atlanta Falcons (4-11) at Raymond James Stadium.
“The experience has been great,” Gronkowski said. “It’s been a fun season. At times, it takes its toll and feels like it’s been going on for a while. Then there’s times where it’s week 17, you look back and you’re like, ‘man, time flew. it’s already week 17. It’s definitely been an enjoyable ride this whole year.”
