Bucs TE Rob Gronkowski is making headlines this week, despite not making an announcement about his future. The 32-year old tight end made the news earlier this week, saying Bengals QB Joe Burrow would be his top quarterback to play with now that Tom Brady has retired. But on Saturday, Gronkowski had predictions for Brady’s future too.

“The guy can play at any age,’’ Gronkowski told USA Today. “If he’s 50 years old he can still come back. I think he’s going to come back, but in a couple of years. The guy is a beast. He can play anytime.’’

Last week, Brady refused to rule out a potential return from retirement. But he did heavily suggest that he has no plans to return to the game. Brady is 44, and wants to spend more time with family and on his business ventures. It would be a surprise to see him suit up in 2022.

But it would be even more of a surprise to see him suit up after 2022. Gronkowski is likely humoring the media here. Even if Brady decided to come back, it’s highly unlikely it would be after a few years. He’s already 44 years old, and will be 45 in August. To play at that age, Brady needs to keep his body in tip-top shape with constant work and training. Thus the role of TB12 Sports in his daily life.

Although Brady will likely continue to take care of his body, staying in football shape, especially as a thrower, is unlikely. In “a couple years”, Brady would be at least 47. It’s hard to put many feats past the GOAT, but that wouldn’t make much sense on several levels. Hopefully Gronkowski makes an announcement about his future soon, so he can start planning this epic comeback with Brady.