Rob Gronkowski Makes Feelings Clear on Patriots’ Romeo Doubs Decision

Rob Gronkowski spent nine seasons with the New England Patriots, building quite a strong resume there. The tight end won three Super Bowls alongside quarterback Tom Brady while making No. 87 one of the franchise’s most recognizable jersey numbers.

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The Patriots nevertheless gave No. 87 to offseason addition Romeo Doubs without consulting Gronkowski, but the former tight end told Kay Adams on “Up & Adams” that he has no problem with the decision.

Doubs wore No. 87 during his four seasons with the Green Bay Packers and simply kept the number after signing a four-year contract worth roughly $70 million with New England during the offseason.

“I wasn’t consulted at all, but I mean, I’m cool with it,” Gronkowski said. “The only number that I truly believe that should be retired in New England is the No. 12.”

Romeo Doubs (or anyone) wearing Gronk’s No. 87 in New England should be illegal ❌@RobGronkowski | @heykayadamspic.twitter.com/jA1NrVArnt

— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) September 16, 2026

The Patriots indeed retired Brady’s No. 12 in 2024. Gronkowski believes that honor should remain exclusive to Brady despite his own accomplishments with the franchise.

“If you’re not playing for 20 years, I don’t think that any other number should be retired,” Gronkowski said. “I think all other numbers should be very usable.”

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Gronkowski spent his entire NFL career wearing No. 87, both with the Patriots and during his two-year stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He is set to become the 38th inductee into the Patriots Hall of Fame in November after being selected through a fan vote.

Doubs, 26, caught 202 passes for 2,424 yards and 21 touchdowns across 59 games with Green Bay before joining a rebuilt Patriots receiving corps.

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However, the wideout went without a reception in New England’s 13-10 season-opening loss to the Seattle Seahawks. His role could get bigger going forward, with top target A.J. Brown expected to miss six weeks because of a high ankle sprain.

New England hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET in the Patriots’ home opener.

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This story was originally published September 18, 2026 at 12:15 PM.