Add The New York Post on Google Kay Adams called out Patriots owner Robert Kraft for failing Rob Gronkowski by not consulting the former tight end before giving wideout Romeo Doubs No. 87.
During Wednesday’s installment of the “Up and Adams” show, Gronkowski — who wore the number during his nine seasons in New England and won three Super Bowls — explained that he is “cool” with it.
“Let’s just be really real for a second. You can’t be OK with — no one should wear 87 in New England,” Adams said.
“I’m not the one who makes the decisions over there, Kay. … I wasn’t consulted at all. But I mean, I’m cool with it,” Gronkowski, who was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame in April, said.
“The only number that I truly believe should be retired in New England — which I think it’s retired but its not hung in the rafters or anything yet — is the No. 12… [Former Patriots quarterback] Tom [Brady] set the standards and if you’re not playing for 20 years I don’t think that any other number should be retired. I think all other numbers should be very usable.”
The Patriots retired Brady’s No. 12 in 2024 after he won six Super Bowls during his 20 seasons with New England.
Adams explained that it is “absurd” and “insane” that the Patriots organization would consider allowing another player to wear No. 87.
“Gronk this is your worst take,” Adams said. “In four years, this is your worst take. This has nothing to do with the player. You’re laughing, but it could be anyone. It is actually so absurd. I kind of knew you were going to say this.
“You were the greatest tight end to play the game of football and especially on that team, respectfully to some souls who’ve been there through the years. You have four freaking Super Bowls. It is absurd it is a failure by the organization that I know and love.
“I know that Patriots fans are on my side on this one and I’m sure they’re going to have a thing or two to say. And maybe it’s because you’re too damn nice, that you don’t even get consulted. So … Mr. Kraft, who I love and Mr. Kraft’s family — this is insane. There is no way you’re OK with that really. You’re insane.”
View this post on Instagram Gronkowski, who is eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2027, continued to downplay the situation.
“Hey Kay, I’m just going to let you speak about the matter. I plead the fifth over here,” he said. “Your consulting right there was wonderful.”
Doubs signed a four-year, $68 million contract with New England in March after he spent the first four seasons of his career in Green Bay.
Doubs is the latest player to wear No. 87 since Gronkowski last played for New England in 2018.
Matt Sokol, John Parker Romo, and Joshua Dobbs have worn a jersey with No. 87 since Gronkowski left New England.
Gronkowski, a second-round pick by the Patriots in 2010, spent the first nine seasons of his career with New England and won three Super Bowls. He was also named First-Team All-Pro four times.
He averaged 15.1 yards per reception and caught 79 touchdowns in 115 games with the Patriots.
He returned to the NFL to reunite with quarterback Tom Brady for a final Super Bowl run with the Buccaneers in 2020 before retiring a second time in June 2022.
