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What you really need to understand about the relationship between Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski is that they are closer than people know.
The respect Brady has for Gronkowski is strong. Brady has always admired not just Gronkowski's skill, but his almost legendary toughness.
They have stayed in touch over the past few months, one league source explained, and when Brady signed with the Buccaneers, it was only a matter of time before Gronkowski un-retired and joined his former Patriots teammate.
So Brady and Gronkowski reuniting in Tampa Bay—first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter—is among the least surprising developments of the NFL offseason.