# Gronkowski unbothered by Patriots reusing his number

> The Patriots gave Rob Gronkowski's iconic No. 87 to a new receiver, but the tight end legend says he's cool with it.
- Title: Gronkowski unbothered by Patriots reusing his number
- Summary: The Patriots gave Rob Gronkowski's iconic No. 87 to a new receiver, but the tight end legend says he's cool with it. Gronkowski believes only Tom Brady's No…
- Keywords: rob gronkowski, new england patriots, nfl, jersey number 87, romeo doubs, tom brady, tight end, super bowl champion, number retirement, Gronkowski, unbothered, Patriots
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/sports/nfl/rob-gronkowski-reacts-to-patriots-reassigning-his-old-jersey-number-12451864
- Author: Andrew Gould
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: rob gronkowski, new england patriots, nfl, jersey number 87, romeo doubs, tom brady, tight end, super bowl champion, number retirement
## Patriots give away Gronkowski's number
The New England Patriots reassigned Rob Gronkowski's iconic No. 87 to newly acquired wide receiver Romeo Doubs after the tight end wore it for nine seasons.
## Gronkowski wasn't consulted
Gronkowski told FanDuel TV that the Patriots never reached out to him before making the move, but he said he's fine with the decision.

> I wasn't consulted at all, but I'm cool with it.
## Only Brady's number deserves retirement
Gronkowski said only Tom Brady's No. 12 should be retired in New England, arguing that other numbers should remain available for new players.

> The only number that I truly believe that should be retired in New England ... is the number 12.
## Kay Adams defends Gronkowski
FanDuel TV host Kay Adams disagreed with Gronkowski, calling the Patriots' move absurd and a failure to honor the greatest tight end ever.

> You're the greatest tight end to play the game of football. It is absurd.
## Gronkowski stays diplomatic
Gronkowski declined to pile on the criticism but didn't disavow Adams' harsh message either, saying he'd plead the fifth on the matter.

> I plead the fifth over here, and your consulting right there was wonderful.
## Key takeaway

Gronkowski believes only Tom Brady's No. 12 deserves retirement in New England, making all other numbers fair game for reuse.