Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski Almost Joined the Las Vegas Raiders, Claims Dana White

According to UFC President Dana White, Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski nearly ended up playing together for the Las Vegas Raiders. White revealed this during an alternate broadcast for the UFC 278 prelims, titled “UFC 278 With The Gronks.” The show featured the NFL superstar Gronkowski, his family, and White, who recounted the story at Gronkowski’s request.

White initially hesitated to share the story, asking if he should tell it. After receiving the green light from Gronkowski, he went on to reveal the details. He stated that he had worked to put the deal together, and it was almost a done deal. However, head coach Jon Gruden unexpectedly blew up the deal, claiming that he didn’t want Brady and Gronkowski on the team. This decision caused chaos and upset in the process.

According to White, Brady was already considering buying a house in Las Vegas, and at that time, it hadn’t been announced that Gronkowski would be joining him. Therefore, the Las Vegas Raiders could have had both Brady and Gronkowski on their roster during the same year that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the Super Bowl. However, Gruden’s veto ultimately changed the course of events.

Instead, Brady signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March 2020, and a month later, the New England Patriots traded Gronkowski to the same team. Together, they played pivotal roles in helping the Buccaneers secure a dominating victory against the Kansas City Chiefs, winning the Super Bowl by a score of 31-9.

White admitted that he hadn’t intended to share this story but was prompted to do so by Gronkowski. The NFL tight end confirmed that the account provided by White was accurate and thanked him for telling the story. Gronkowski expressed his relief that the deal didn’t happen, stating that everything worked out for the best in the end. He emphasized his love for Tampa Bay and how it became the perfect place for him and Brady to continue their successful partnership.