Former <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-bruce-arians-singles-out-tom-bradys-return-as-reason-for-buccaneers-exit-1455-20220611-SPD-1455.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> tight end <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-tom-brady-finally-explains-why-he-opted-to-come-out-of-retirement-1288-20220604-SPD-1288.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rob Gronkowski</a> announced his retirement from the NFL for the second time on Tuesday after two seasons with the franchise. For the first time since Gronkowski’s initial retirement in 2019, Tom Brady and Gronkowski had reunited as teammates.



After 18 years without a Super Bowl victory, the Buccaneers finally triumphed last year when Gronkowski scored two touchdowns. 2021 was Gronkowski’s last season, and he will be remembered for his record-breaking number of playoff touchdowns as a tight end (15).



Drew Rosenhaus thinks that only one individual could be able to convince Gronkowski to come out of retirement. As per him, it would be <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-leonard-fournette-knew-tom-brady-would-come-back-from-retirement-1348-20220607-SPD-1348.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tom Brady</a>, who did it after he left the Patriots for the Buccaneers and won the Super Bowl with them.



<h2>Gronkowski’s farewell letter</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“In college, I was asked to write about a dream job opportunity that I wanted to pursue and where the location would be. Every time I had to write about my future, no matter what, I picked being a professional football player. For that assignment though, we had to pick the location. So I wrote that I wanted to play in Tampa for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, for many reasons, the sunny weather being No. 1.“I completely forgot about writing this report until 2 years ago when I had the opportunity to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And let me tell ya, the journey in Tampa over the last 2 years has blown away what I originally wrote about in college, big time. And for this, I want to thank the whole entire first class Buccaneers organization for an amazing ride, trusting me to come back to play and help build a championship team. I will now be going back into my retirement home, walking away from football again with my head held high knowing I gave it everything I had, good or bad, every time I stepped out on the field. “The friendships and relationships I have made will last forever, and I appreciate every single one of my teammates and coaches for giving everything they had as well. From retirement, back to football and winning another championship and now back to chilling out, thank you to all. Buccaneers fans, the Krewe, without you guys, none of this is possible, all of ya brought it every game, thank you for all you do. Cheers to what’s next, maybe sailing the seas. Arghhhhhh!!”<cite>Gronkowski via Instagram</cite></blockquote>

NFL News: Rob Gronkowski retires for second time in career after two seasons with Buccaneers - thesportsdrops NEWS

NFL News: Rob Gronkowski retires for second time in career after two seasons with Buccaneers

miniaturas

For the first time since <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/colts-head-coach-frank-reich-sees-similarities-between-matt-ryan-peyton-manning-1513-20220614-SPD-1513.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peyton Manning</a> hung them up, the Broncos feel optimistic about their starting quarterback. After a decade in <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-seahawks-pete-carroll-suggests-chris-carsons-neck-issue-might-cause-him-to-retire-1426-20220610-SPD-1426.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seattle</a>, Russell Wilson packed his bags to take his talents to Denver.



This offseason seemed the perfect timing for Wilson and the Broncos to join their paths. The franchise has failed to make the <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-tyreek-hill-discusses-why-he-left-chiefs-for-dolphins-for-first-time-1463-20220612-SPD-1463.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL</a> playoffs since Manning led them to a Super Bowl win in 2016. Meanwhile, the veteran quarterback wanted to lead a contending team again.



Wilson won a Super Bowl with the Seahawks in 2014 — curiously against the Broncos. But he turns 34 this year, so he wants to challenge for another ring before it’s too late. Recently, he revealed that the reason why he moved to Denver is because he feels he can win another title there.



<h2>Russell Wilson says Broncos met all his conditions</h2>



“It’s been a blessing just to come here, just to come to an amazing city like Denver, to be a part of it with so many amazing teammates and great coaching staff,” Wilson said last week, per DNVR Sports. 



“But also, once the trade was going to happen, I said, ‘Hey, listen, I want to make sure that I go to a city that wants to win. I want to make sure I that I go to a team that wants to win. And I want to go to a city that knows how to win.’ And all those three things were checked off the box here in Denver and so I think we’ve got a chance.”



For months, Wilson said he wanted to spend his entire career in Seattle and continue to chase more rings with the Seahawks. However, the team had to face rebuild and he didn’t have time for it. Therefore, when the Broncos knocked his door, he didn’t doubt it.

Russell Wilson explains why he chose the Denver Broncos - thesportsdrops NEWS

Russell Wilson explains why he chose the Denver Broncos

Running back <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-rumors-browns-interest-in-reuniting-with-odell-beckham-jr-slim-to-non-existent-1400-20220609-SPD-1400.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kareem Hunt</a> looks to desire an early start on a contract since the <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-jadeveon-clowney-explains-why-he-chose-to-return-to-browns-1133-20220529-SPD-1133.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cleveland Browns</a> have been stockpiling great running backs for some years now. According to Cleveland.com, Hunt requested a long-term contract extension from the team’s owners.



His basic salary will be only $1.35 million, but the team’s salary cap will be $6.25 million because of the incentive. If this is the case, both he and the Browns will have to make a choice regarding his future.



In the absence of an agreement, it doesn’t seem like the 26-year-old will sit out training camp or the regular season. He was questioned about the matter by reporters during his minicamp media availability, and he was open and honest about the process.



<h2>What Kareem Hunt said about his future</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Right now, I’m just taking it day by day, man. I’m going to see what they want to do with me and I’m just taking it day by day. Hopefully I can be here long-term. We’ll see what God has in plan for me, that’s all I can say.”“I was born and raised here. I’d love to finish my career here and just keep playing the game with (Nick) Chubb longer and with the great guys on this great team.”<cite>Hunt told Cleveland.com</cite></blockquote>

NBA News: Kareem Hunt asks Browns for contract extension - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA News: Kareem Hunt asks Browns for contract extension

Announcing his retirement on Wednesday, <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/colts-head-coach-frank-reich-sees-similarities-between-matt-ryan-peyton-manning-1513-20220614-SPD-1513.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indianapolis Colts</a> starting strong safety <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/how-many-nfl-teams-have-not-won-a-super-bowl-ring-in-their-history-97-20220502-SPD-97.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Khari Willis</a> said goodbye to the NFL. After starting 34 games over the last three seasons as an undrafted fourth-rounder, Willis announced the news on Instagram.



Halfway through his rookie season, Willis, the team’s fourth-round 2019 selection at strong safety, was promoted to the starting lineup. After playing in 39 games, he finished his career with 219 tackles and four interceptions.



The Colts have already made several <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-attendance-history-what-is-the-highest-attended-game-of-all-time-136-20220502-SPD-136.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">offseason changes</a> at safety. Both Rodney McLeod and Nick Cross were taken in this year’s NBA draft with the 96th overall choice. Cross is expected to be the long-term starter in McLeod’s place, with the inside track going to McLeod.



<h2>What Khari Willis said of his NFL retirement</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“I’d first like to thank the Indianapolis Colts organization for granting me the opportunity to compete in the National Football League the past three years,” Willis wrote in a statement. “I’ve built lifelong relationships with numerous teammates, coaches and support staff that have impacted me greatly. The lessons that I’ve learned in this phase of my life will be valuable for me in my next chapter. “With much prayer and deliberation, I have elected to officially retire from the NFL as I endeavor to devote the remainder of my life to the further advancement of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I thank all of my family, friends and those who have supported me on this journey thus far and I look forward to your continued support through the next phase of my life. I am both humbled and excited to pursue the holy call that God has for my life which brings me much joy and purpose. Thank you all for your support over the years.”<cite>Khari Willis via Instagram</cite></blockquote>

NFL News: Colts' Khari Willis calls it quits at age of 26 after just three seasons - thesportsdrops NEWS

NFL News: Colts' Khari Willis calls it quits at age of 26 after just three seasons

After more than a decade in Atlanta, <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-rumors-falcons-interest-in-deshaun-watson-drove-matt-ryan-away-from-atlanta-360-20220504-SPD-360.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Matt Ryan</a> is preparing for his first season without the Falcons. The <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/super-bowl-champions-list-of-all-time-winners-215-20220503-SPD-215.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colts</a> didn’t like what they saw of <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/carson-wentzs-honest-take-on-returning-to-philadelphia-to-face-eagles-for-the-first-time-755-20220513-SPD-755.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carson Wentz</a> last year and went after the veteran quarterback this offseason. 



Ryan has a challenging job ahead of him. Not only he’s facing the task of leading Indianapolis back to the postseason, but also to prove that he can still be a starting quarterback in the NFL.



However, it seems that he already got off to a good start to life with the Colts. As a matter of fact, head coach Frank Reich has already drawn parallels between Ryan and legendary QB Peyton Manning.



<h2>Frank Reich says Matt Ryan has similar approach to football than Peyton Manning</h2>



“Matt’s an incredibly smart guy,” Reich told Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated. “But one of the things I’ve continued to be impressed by—he doesn’t want to expand things, he wants to consolidate things. It’s a little bit Peyton-esque like that. ‘Don’t try to overcoach, don’t get too cute, don’t try to overscheme, let’s just run the same things over and over again.’ That’s how I’ve been brought up in this league. 



“In an age where everyone wants to talk about how smart the coaches are, or the quarterback is, and all the ways that you can scheme, and do this and that … and those are all important things, (but) Matt is old school, and I’m a little bit old school like this, too.“

Colts head coach Frank Reich sees similarities between Matt Ryan, Peyton Manning - thesportsdrops NEWS

Colts head coach Frank Reich sees similarities between Matt Ryan, Peyton Manning

When the <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/super-bowl-champions-list-of-all-time-winners-215-20220503-SPD-215.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Patriots</a> selected <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-mac-jones-drawing-a-lot-of-praise-from-patriots-teammates-1338-20220606-SPD-1338.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mac Jones</a> in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, there was certain skepticism around the rookie quarterback. However, it didn’t take long for him to prove the critics wrong.



Heading into his first year in the NFL, the Alabama Crimson Tide product beat Cam Newton for the starting job and it paid off. Jones led New England to its first playoff appearance since <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/tom-brady-already-knows-whats-next-for-him-606-20220510-SPD-606.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tom Brady</a> left Foxborough.



Ahead of Year Two, Jones once again has to prove how high his ceiling could be and whether he can really become the leader the Patriots need. According to wideout Jakobi Meyers, that won’t be a problem for Jones.



<h2>Jakobi Meyes believes Mac Jones is ‘the real deal’</h2>



“You say, ‘Has he taken control of the offense?’ That’s just a capital Yes — exclamation mark, exclamation mark,” Meyers said, per Dakota Randall of NESN. “He’s the real deal. Just kinda what he sees, we’re all just trying to catch up to his mind, his vision.



“I know him and the coaches have been doing a great job of relaying information to us, but ultimately when we’re out there, he tells us. And we ask him like, ‘How do you want it? Where do you want us to be? When do you want us to be there?’



“He’s been really adamant about what he says. He has a clear vision in his mind. It’s real easy to work with him because he puts us in the right direction and we’ve just gotta catch the balls he throws.”



Bill Belichick seemed sold on Jones from day one, and it was only a matter of time before he won the locker room as well. When the season gets underway in September, he’ll have to prove them right.

Mac Jones draws the ultimate praise from Patriots teammate Jakobi Meyers - thesportsdrops NEWS

Mac Jones draws the ultimate praise from Patriots teammate Jakobi Meyers

A lot of people were startled last summer when <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-ring-value-how-much-does-a-super-bowl-ring-cost-188-20220502-SPD-188.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Miami Dolphins</a> traded for <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/which-is-the-most-valuable-nfl-team-169-20220503-SPD-169.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tyreek Hill</a> from the <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/super-bowl-champions-list-of-all-time-winners-215-20220503-SPD-215.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kansas City Chiefs</a>, and Hill has been speaking up since about his thoughts on the Dolphins system. 



It was recently revealed by Hill that he departed the Chiefs because he felt underutilized by the team. By contrast, the 28-year-old claimed he was startled by the team’s attacking strategy.



A four-year, $120 million contract with $72.2 million in guaranteed money with the Dolphins was the price of signing with them. The WR opted to leave the Kansas City side because of his contract and the team’s plans for his ability, he claimed in an interview with Pro Football Talk.



<h2>What Tyreek Hill thinks of his Chiefs exit</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“If teams are gonna give us favorable one-on-one matches against their best corner, I don’t see why teams don’t utilize their best receiver. And that’s where probably like me and the Chiefs fell apart right there. When I’m like, I don’t mean to talk or be a diva in some situation, but can I see the pill some time, please? Just give me the ball, please.”“I tried my best. I talked to the big man, [head coach] Andy Reid. I talked to the quarterback. I’m like, ‘Look, can we make something happen? Can we make something happen? Can the guaranteed money make sense to me? Can it make sense to my family, please?&apos;”<cite>Tyreek Hill told Pro Football Talk</cite></blockquote>

NFL News: Tyreek Hill discusses why he left Chiefs for Dolphins for first time - thesportsdrops NEWS

NFL News: Tyreek Hill discusses why he left Chiefs for Dolphins for first time

<a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-attendance-history-what-is-the-highest-attended-game-of-all-time-136-20220502-SPD-136.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seahawks</a> coach <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-ring-value-how-much-does-a-super-bowl-ring-cost-188-20220502-SPD-188.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pete Carroll</a> met with the media after Thursday’s practice to provide updates on, among many other things, the health of his squad as they prepare for a lengthy break before training camp begins.



In his first press conference since <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/how-many-nfl-teams-have-not-won-a-super-bowl-ring-in-their-history-97-20220502-SPD-97.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chris Carson</a>‘s neck injury necessitated neck surgery, head coach John Carroll addressed the running back’s long-term prospects. Due to Carson’s lack of practice clearance last month, he has been exempted from the Seahawks’ required minicamp this week.



Due to a neck injury that necessitated surgery, the 27-year-old running back has not been able to play since October 3. His football career is still in danger, as the Seahawks coach said on Thursday that the running back has not been cleared to return to practice.



<h2>What Pete Carroll said about Chris Carson</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“We’re waiting. There’s a big assessment to be done about two weeks from now. The docs and the surgeons and all that will reconvene and see where he is and let us know. “We’ll see what happens here. Just a whole lot of good hope. He’s worked really hard and really wants to come back and all of that, but I can’t tell you for certain at this point in time.”<cite>Carroll told Brady Henderson of ESPN</cite></blockquote>

NFL News: Seahawks' Pete Carroll suggests Chris Carson's neck issue might cause him to retire - thesportsdrops NEWS

NFL News: Seahawks' Pete Carroll suggests Chris Carson's neck issue might cause him to retire

A report from the Akron Beacon Journal‘s Nate Ulrich says the <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-jadeveon-clowney-re-signs-with-browns-on-one-year-deal-989-20220522-SPD-989.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cleveland Browns</a> will pass on signing free agent wide-receiver <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-jadeveon-clowney-explains-why-he-chose-to-return-to-browns-1133-20220529-SPD-1133.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Odell Beckham Jr.</a> A free agent after being let loose by the Los Angeles Rams at the conclusion of last season, Odell Beckham Jr. is now searching for a new club to join in the NFL.



He previously spent one season with the Cleveland Browns. In November, he was dismissed by the Browns following a dispute with quarterback <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-david-njoku-and-browns-reach-four-year-contract-agreement-1102-20220527-SPD-1102.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Baker Mayfield</a>.



Even though the 29-year-old will be out for a while due to a knee injury, a number of franchises are interested in signing him. Those teams apparently do not include the Browns.



<h2>Browns-Beckham Jr: Reunion improbable</h2>



Beckham signed with the Los Angeles Rams shortly after being released by the Browns. Before that, he had 21 receptions for 288 yards and two scores in four playoff games, including the Super Bowl, including a touchdown reception.



In an Instagram post with the headline “Come Home The Fellas Miss You,” Myles Garrett pleaded with Beckham, who is currently a free agent after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament, to come back to Cleveland.

NFL Rumors: Browns' interest in reuniting with Odell Beckham Jr. slim to non-existent - thesportsdrops NEWS

NFL Rumors: Browns' interest in reuniting with Odell Beckham Jr. slim to non-existent

Mac Jones‘ rookie season went quite well for the young quarterback and the <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/super-bowl-champions-list-of-all-time-winners-215-20220503-SPD-215.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New England Patriots</a>, who had been missing a dependable guy under center since <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/tom-brady-already-knows-whats-next-for-him-606-20220510-SPD-606.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tom Brady</a> left. Fortunately, the Alabama Crimson Tide product gave many reasons for optimism.



In a year in which the rest of the <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-new-49ers-qb-trey-lance-has-the-most-respectful-response-to-the-critics-1178-20220531-SPD-1178.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rookie quarterbacks</a> struggled to make an impression, Jones stood out among the signal-callers of the 2021 class. He made little mistakes for a <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/ryan-tannehill-clarifies-his-comments-about-mentoring-malik-willis-1023-20220524-SPD-1023.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rookie</a> and led the Patriots to their first playoffs since Brady’s departure.



Jones, however, still has a lot to prove and, as Robert Kraft said, his second year will be very telling. It’s still too early, but many teammates are already loving what they see from the quarterback this offseason.



<h2>Patriots’ WRs are full of praise for Mac Jones</h2>



“It’s just at another level now,” Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne said, via ESPN. “He’s more comfortable, more confident. He knows what’s going on, and the muscle memory is there [from having gone through it] — OTAs, then camp, and the season. He’s just more locked in, more secure in his position.”



DeVante Parker, who joined the team from the Miami Dolphins this year, was impressed by Jones’ way of leading the Patriots. “He’s a young guy but he’s developed as a leader. That’s what this team needs,” Parker said. “I’ve only been here a few weeks, but I still see it.”

NFL News: Mac Jones drawing a lot of praise from Patriots teammates - thesportsdrops NEWS

NFL News: Mac Jones drawing a lot of praise from Patriots teammates

There are few NFL quarterbacks with as much renown or as much success as Tom Brady does. NFL quarterback Tom Brady is one of the most highly regarded and accomplished players in history. He was the unquestioned king of gridiron by the middle of the 2000s. A Super Bowl championship with his squad made him the NFL’s youngest-ever Super Bowl-winning quarterback in 2002.



Before he was 30 years old, the quarterback had achieved career heights that most seasoned football players wished for, and he had done it all. He is a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the present time and was a member of the New England Patriots for 20 years prior to his current position.



He’s regarded as one of the all-time greats of the NFL’s quarterback position. In 2007, he had one of the greatest seasons of his career. Brady is mostly known for his ability to lead his team to championship victories, his acumen as a quarterback, and throwing accuracy.



<h2>Number of Tom Brady NFL Championships</h2>



The first thing that springs to the mind when someone mentions the Super Bowl is Tom Brady. Many consider Brady to be NFL’s best-ever quarterback and have dubbed him the “Greatest of All-Time”. He has 7 Super Bowl Rings to his name. Six of them, he managed to win with the New England Patriots, while he has added another one with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He guided the Patriots to their first Super Bowl victory in 2002 with his inspiring leadership. Football fans were taken by surprise when New England stunned St. Louis, 20-17.



In 2004, the Pats beat the Carolina Panthers by a score of 32-29. This was the first Super Bowl appearance for the Panthers, but Brady and the Patriots were vying for their second Super Bowl crown in three years. It was a thrilling 24-21 victory for the Patriots against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2005, their third Super Bowl victory in four years.



The 28-24 victory against the Seattle Seahawks in 2015 earned Brady the award of Most Valuable Player (MVP). There has been a 10-year drought between New England Patriots Super Bowl wins. Next, the Patriots defeated the Atlanta Falcons in 2017 with a score of 34-28. Brady masterminded a stunning comeback in extra time, erasing a 25-point deficit.



The 13-3 victory against the Los Angeles Rams in the 2019 Super Bowl was the lowest scoring in Super Bowl history. With the Patriots, this was Brady’s sixth victory in six SB games.



Brady led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a 31-9 victory against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021, his first win with the franchise after moving to Florida from New England.

NFL - Page 7