Fansided

Top 30 duos in NFL history

By Jarrett Bailey

BALTIMORE - 1960's: (L to R) Quarterback Johnny Unitas #19 and wide receiver Raymond Berry #82 of the Baltimore Colts on the sidelines during a game circa 1960's at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Kidwiler Collection/Diamond Images/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE - 1960's: (L to R) Quarterback Johnny Unitas #19 and wide receiver Raymond Berry #82 of the Baltimore Colts on the sidelines during a game circa 1960's at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Kidwiler Collection/Diamond Images/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 28: Rob Gronkowski #87 and Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are seen before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 28, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 28: Rob Gronkowski #87 and Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are seen before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 28, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

3. Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski

What do you get when you pair up the greatest quarterback of all time with the best tight end of all time? 31 other teams crying on their knees and yelling “WHY?!”

In each phase of his career, Brady has seemed to have a different favorite target. In the early stages, it was Deion Branch. In the mid-2000s, it was Randy Moss. In the 2010s, though, Brady’s safety valve and undeniable favorite target was Rob Gronkowski.

Gronk was an immediate favorite of Brady. The two hooked up for 10 scores in 2010, and Gronkowski led the NFL in touchdowns the next season with 17.

When you think about it, this should have never worked. Gronk’s lovable goofball personality mixed with Brady’s no BS demenear doesn’t seem like something that would be so successful, but they have complimented each other perfectly. In a lot of ways, they needed each other. Gronk needed Brady to elevate him to the elite tight end he is, and it’s noticeable how much Gronk has affected Brady off the field in their friendship.

Once Brady left New England for Tampa Bay, he lured Gronk out of retirement, and the duo won their fourth Super Bowl together in the 2020 season. They are both still going strong, and chasing their fifth ring as a duo.

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