Gronkowski Says He Was Not Consulted on New Patriots Receiver Wearing His Iconic Number

The New England Patriots handed wide receiver Romeo Doubs the No. 87 jersey this season, a number long associated with former tight end Rob Gronkowski. Gronkowski told host Kay Adams that the team did not seek his permission before reissuing the number. He emphasized that he was not involved in the decision-making process but expressed a generally “cool” attitude toward the situation.

No other Patriots player should be wearing Rob Gronkowski’s number

The franchise currently lists eight retired numbers: 12 (Tom Brady), 20 (Gino Cappelletti), 40 (Mike Haynes), 57 (Steve Nelson), 73 (John Hannah), 78 (Bruce Armstrong), 79 (Jim Lee Hunt) and 89 (Bob Dee). Brady’s No. 12 is the only number retired for a player who was part of a Super Bowl-winning era. The article notes that the Patriots stopped retiring numbers for 24 years, from 2000 until 2024, when Brady’s number was added. Gronkowski’s own career statistics are highlighted: 521 receptions, 7,861 yards, 79 touchdowns, an average of 15.1 yards per catch, four All-Pro selections and three Super Bowl championships. He is a member of the Patriots Hall of Fame and appears on the All-2010s and All-Dynasty teams, yet his No. 87 remains unretired.

HeavyNo other Patriots player should be wearing Rob Gronkowski’s number

In the interview, Gronkowski reiterated that he had no role in the jersey assignment and that he was “cool with it.” He also stated that the only number he believes deserves retirement in New England is No. 12, adding that players who have not spent two decades with the team should not have their numbers retired. Regarding Doubs, Gronkowski warned that the receiver must produce on the field, saying the responsibility now falls on him.

No other Patriots player should be wearing Rob Gronkowski’s number

• “I’m not the one who makes the decisions over there… I wasn’t consulted at all,” — Rob Gronkowski

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• “The only number that I truly believe should be retired in New England, which I think it’s retired but it’s not like hung in the rafters yet or anything, is the No. 12… If you’re not playing for 20 years, I don’t think that any other number should be retired,” — Rob Gronkowski

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• “It’s gonna have to be Romeo Doubs,” — Rob Gronkowski

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