EXPLOSIVE: The Super Bowl LX drama has just reached its peak as Rob Gronkowski unexpectedly announced that he is “cutting ties” with his close friend Tom Brady: “I’m done with Tom Brady. No more texting, no more calls, no more partying together. If he doesn’t have the ‘dog’ for the Patriots — the team that gave him everything — then I don’t have the ‘dog’ for him anymore either. The Patriots are family, and family doesn’t accept indifference when we’re fighting for our seventh Lombardi!” This statement has sent shockwaves across the entire NFL, but even more surprising is the reaction of Julian Edelman, who is also a close friend of Tom Brady…

The NFL world is buzzing on the eve of Super Bowl LX, set for February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The matchup pits the New England Patriots against the Seattle Seahawks in a rematch of Super Bowl XLIX. Fans anticipated a nostalgic celebration of the Patriots’ dynasty, but instead, a rift among its legends has stolen the spotlight.
Rob Gronkowski, the charismatic tight end who won four Super Bowls with Tom Brady, dropped his bombshell during an appearance on the “Up & Adams” show. Gronk, known for his larger-than-life personality, expressed deep disappointment over Brady’s recent comments. Brady, now a broadcaster, stated he has “no dog in the fight” for the Patriots’ quest for a record seventh Lombardi Trophy.
Gronkowski’s words were raw and unfiltered. He emphasized loyalty to the Patriots, the franchise that drafted him in 2010 and where he built his Hall of Fame career. “The Pats gave us everything,” Gronk said, his voice laced with emotion. This public severance from Brady, his on-field soulmate, has fans reeling from the unexpected betrayal narrative.
The timing couldn’t be worse, with Super Bowl LX just hours away. The Patriots, led by quarterback Drake Maye, have defied odds to reach this stage, aiming to etch their name as the first team with seven Super Bowl wins. Yet, the shadow of the old guard’s drama looms large, distracting from the on-field action against a formidable Seahawks team quarterbacked by Sam Darnold.
Tom Brady’s neutrality stems from his complicated history. After winning six rings with New England, he departed in 2020 for Tampa Bay, adding a seventh in his first season there. Brady’s comments suggest lingering resentment toward the organization that let him walk. “I’m impartial,” he reiterated in a recent interview, fueling speculation about unresolved grudges.
Gronk’s announcement has divided the Patriots faithful. Some side with him, viewing Brady’s stance as disloyalty to the team that made him a legend. Others defend Brady, arguing his achievements transcend any single franchise. Social media erupted with debates, hashtags like #GronkVsBrady trending worldwide as fans dissect their once-inseparable bond.

Enter Julian Edelman, the gritty wide receiver who was Brady’s go-to target in clutch moments. Edelman, a three-time Super Bowl champion, broke his silence in a podcast interview. Surprisingly, he sided with Gronk, adding fuel to the fire. “Tom’s my brother, but the Patriots are family first,” Edelman stated, echoing Gronk’s sentiment.
Edelman’s reaction stunned many, given his close relationship with Brady. The trio—Brady, Gronk, and Edelman—formed the core of the Patriots’ late-dynasty success, including the epic comeback in Super Bowl LI against Atlanta. Edelman’s famous catch in that game symbolized their unbreakable trust, making his alignment with Gronk even more poignant.
Analysts speculate this feud could stem from Brady’s broadcasting role, where neutrality is expected. However, Gronk and Edelman, both retired and free from such constraints, proudly root for the Patriots. Gronk joked that Brady might still wish he was playing, but his serious tone revealed deeper hurt over what he perceives as indifference.
The NFL community has weighed in. Former Patriots coach Bill Belichick, in a rare comment, called it “unfortunate but part of the game.” Current players, like Patriots’ star receiver, avoided the topic, focusing on the Seahawks’ stout defense. Seahawks players, meanwhile, chuckled at the distraction, seeing it as an advantage.
This drama recalls past NFL rifts, like Brett Favre’s messy exit from Green Bay. Brady’s legacy, already GOAT status, now faces scrutiny over loyalty. Will this tarnish his image among Patriots fans? Many in Foxborough feel abandoned, especially as the team fights for history without his vocal support.
Gronk elaborated on his decision, reminiscing about their glory days. “We partied hard after wins, but loyalty matters more,” he said. His use of “dog”—slang for fight or grit—highlights Brady’s perceived lack of passion for the Patriots’ current run. This linguistic jab has become meme fodder online.
Edelman’s support for Gronk suggests a united front among some ex-Pats. He praised the current roster, saying, “These guys deserve our backing.” His words imply Brady’s neutrality equates to opposition, a harsh judgment from a former teammate who once called Brady “the greatest ever.”
As Super Bowl LX approaches, the focus shifts momentarily to the field. The Patriots’ defense, reminiscent of their championship units, faces a Seahawks offense that’s evolved since 2015. Key matchups include Maye versus Darnold, a clash of young gunslingers in a high-stakes rematch.
Yet, the off-field saga overshadows. Fans wonder if reconciliation is possible. Gronk hinted at a potential thaw if Brady shows support, but for now, the cut ties stand. This personal fallout adds an emotional layer to what was already a historic game.
The broader implications for the NFL are significant. Legends like Brady shape the league’s narrative, and their post-retirement actions influence fan perceptions. This episode underscores how relationships forged in victory can fracture under the weight of time and change.
In Santa Clara, the atmosphere is electric, but tinged with melancholy for Patriots supporters. They yearn for the unity of past Super Bowls, where Brady, Gronk, and Edelman were synonymous with success. Now, divided loyalties test the fabric of that dynasty.
As kickoff nears, one thing is clear: Super Bowl LX will be remembered not just for the score, but for the explosive drama among its icons. Whether this rift heals or deepens remains to be seen, but it has undeniably amplified the stakes.
In the end, football is about more than wins—it’s about bonds. Gronk’s bold move reminds us that even the strongest friendships can snap under pressure. As the Patriots chase their seventh ring, the absence of Brady’s “dog” echoes loudly in the hearts of his former comrades.