Tom Brady took a moment to highlight his former teammate Rob Gronkowski‘s notorious habits, humorously exposing the tight end’s laid-back approach during their reunion on-air.
The moment came during FOX NFL Sunday’s Week 1 broadcast as the Super Bowl champions reunited over the airwaves, with the ex-quarterback working an analyst for the Commanders vs. Giants matchup.
He was joined by his tight end from the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers who joined the pregame desk alongside Howie Long, Terry Bradshaw, Michael Strahan, and Jay Glazer.
While miles apart, Brady could not resist delivering a pointed jab at Gronk as on September 7, the NFL on Fox shared a clip on Instagram captioned, “It’s only Week 1 and @tombrady is already throwing jabs at @gronk .”
“Can I say something first?” Brady asked. “I’m glad Gronk (Gronkowski) was on time today. Usually, you know, the first few weeks of the season is a little bit off, but I’m glad he was here early.”
In an exchange that highlighted the playful dynamic that defined their years together in New England, where Gronkowski easygoing demeanor often contrasted with Brady‘s punctual and meticulous approach as Gronk, never one to be outdone, fired back immediately: “Always coming after me.”
Over the years, Rob has frequently teased Brady about his diet, age, and serious personality. However, during the 2025 FOX NFL Sunday opener, it was all love between the pair.
“You’re 12 years older than me and you’re kinda looking younger than me. Whatever you’re doing is working. Keep it up, my man,” the 36-year-old Gronkowski added.
Whilst his former colleague acknowledged their camaraderie as Tom said, “You know what, I gotta keep you on your toes over there. You took a lot of shots of me over the years. I’m coming back.”
This exchange was further underscored by Gronk‘s new role on FOX NFL Sunday, as following Jimmy Johnson‘s retirement in March 2025 after more than three decades with the network, he officially stepped in to fill the vacancy.
His on-time arrival for the Week 1 broadcast was noted by Brady, providing a light-hearted opportunity to highlight one of Gronkowski‘s perceived weaknesses: punctuality and consistency during his NFL tenure.
The on-air chemistry between Brady and Gronkowski demonstrates not only their enduring friendship but also the mutual understanding of their past on-field partnership which is great for the network’s ambitions.
When will Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski next be on air for FOX Sports?
Looking ahead, FOX NFL Sunday will feature five regular-season games on September 14 and the playful rivalry between Brady and Gronkowski is expected to continue as the season unfolds.
It will offer fans insight into the personalities that helped define one of the NFL’s most dominant quarterback-tight end duos, and perhaps even some hidden secrets of their times under Bill Belichick and Bruce Arians.
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