Here's How Tom Brady Helped Rob Gronkowski Earn His $500K Incentive in Week 18

Whenever someone thinks of friendship in football, it's hard not to think of the "bro-mance" between Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski. After all, there's never been a season in Gronkowski's 11-year career where Brady wasn't throwing him the ball — whether that be with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or New England Patriots.

Their friendship once again made headlines this past weekend. Gronkowski's contract has an incentive bonus of $500,000 for 55 receptions. With Gronkowksi in on the incentive in Week 18, Brady made sure that there was no doubt that his friend would receive his bonus.

Tom Brady stayed in game late to help Rob Gronkowski earn $500,000 bonus. https://t.co/zFsyahXi5C
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) January 10, 2022

Tampa Bay Buccaneers News

Gronkowski's contract states that he had to finish with at least 55 catches on the season to receive his incentives. The veteran tight end sat at 54 during the fourth quarter of Sunday's clash and with the Buccaneers up big over the Carolina Panthers, some wondered if he'd see one more target.

Brady could have let himself rest for the playoffs, but reports suggest he was adamant to Bruce Arians about staying in the game. Fast forward to midway through the final frame and Gronkowski secured his 55th catch of the year.

Tom Brady didn't want to come out of the game until he got Rob Gronkowski one more catch for a $500K incentive ? pic.twitter.com/ya6llxGSh5
— Footballism™ (@FootbaIIism) January 10, 2022

Gronkowski expressed his gratitude after the game, saying that he loves playing for the Buccaneers because they give him the opportunity to hit his incentives. Nevertheless, he couldn't help but take a shot at Brady in the process.

"It’s cool to hit those [incentives]. I’m going to have to bring out all the tight ends to dinner. A couple of the quarterbacks — I don’t bring Tom out, I’ll bring the backups out to dinner.”
- Rob Gronkowski

Brady and Gronkowski will have a few days to rest before the Buccaneers take on the Philadelphia Eagles during Wild Card Weekend. Tampa Bay is currently the 8.5-home favorite, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

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Devon Platana is not a FanDuel employee. The views expressed in his articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.