Rob Gronkowski came after Randy Moss’ time, but that didn’t stop the two from crossing paths in practice and exchanging barbs.
Rob Gronkowski’s time in the NFL has come and gone. At this point, aside from his work at FOX, Gronkowski only has memories of his time with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers to lean on.
Of course, he spent many more years with the New England Patriots than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, so he has many more memories to pick from in the Northeast. That said, he has already gone on record about one of his core memories at the 2020-21 Super Bowl celebration with Tom Brady.
Now, he has another memory to tell the story of. It includes the best receiver Tom Brady may have ever thrown to.
Rob Gronkowski and Randy Moss have practice exchange
Speaking in a February 24 edition of “Dudes on Dudes,” Rob Gronkowski recalled telling Randy Moss that he was going to ruin one of his greatest accomplishments.
He said: “I had like, four touchdowns in a row versus the Saints (in 2016) then in seven on seven, and Moss was right there. And I was like, ‘Moss, I’m coming for you, man. That touchdown record is mine.'”
Gronkowski said Moss replied: “‘Go. Gronk, you got it. Boy, you’re the only one. Gronk, you’re the only one that can beat my touchdown record Gronk. You got this boy, I want to see you do.’
“I go, ‘Moss. I am going to do it buddy. I’m coming for it. 23 no problem,'” Gronkowski said.
He added: “I mean, it was kind of realization at that time. I was dreaming big, but it was just so cool to have Moss right there.
“Talking ____ to Randy Moss. I’m going to beat his touchdown record in middle of practice. Like was one of the coolest moments I’ve ever had in practice at Moss, You the man,” he said.
Jerry Rice is the only receiver to have gotten close to Moss’ 23 receiving touchdowns. Moss set the record in 2007, exactly 20 years after Rice had set the record in 1987 with 22, per Pro Football Reference.
Rob Gronkowski jinxed himself in the worst way
Moss had the record for the most receiving touchdowns in a season in NFL history with 23. Gronkowski’s exchange with Moss appeared to have taken place before the season. If Gronkowski had predicted that he would earn 23 touchdowns minus the “two” on the front of that number, he’d be correct. After their exchange, Gronkowski went on to score just three times all season, logging snaps in just eight games.
Of course, the tight end still went on to get a ring via one of the most famous comebacks in NFL history. Down 28-3, Tom Brady rallied his team to rocket back to win the game against the Atlanta Falcons. Gronkowski got a ring but didn’t come close to Moss’ record.
As such, if he had a time machine, Gronkowski probably would have told his former self to think twice before calling out one of the most accomplished players in NFL history.
