The New England Patriots have a new receiver in Romeo Doubs, and with him comes a familiar number: 87. The problem? That jersey was once the property of Rob Gronkowski, one of the most beloved and dominant tight ends in franchise history.
Gronk himself recently revealed on Up & Adams with Kay Adams that the team never reached out to him before handing out the digits he made famous. That revelation didn't sit well with the host, who took to social media to voice her displeasure.
“Romeo Doubs is wearing Gronk’s 87 in New England. NO ONE checked with him or asked him if that’s okay. NO ONE should wear 87 for the @Patriots,” she wrote on X, echoing the sentiments of many Patriots fans.
The backlash isn't just from Adams. A quick scroll through social media shows a fanbase divided. Some believe the number should have been retired long ago, especially given Gronk's Hall of Fame résumé. “Insane that 87 isn’t a retired number in New England,” one fan posted. Another added, “I agree, no one should wear 87 in New England. Though respectfully, he’s not the greatest TE to ever play the game. He’s not even the greatest 87…”
But others argue that if the number isn't officially retired, it's fair game. “Gronk doesn’t own the #87 just like Jayden Daniels doesn’t own the #5. If it’s not retired, it’s free game,” one user countered. Another chimed in, “Until the number is officially retired, anyone can wear it.”
The Patriots have a history of holding off on retiring numbers for years. Tom Brady's No. 12 sat unused for five seasons before being officially retired. During that time, no one else wore it, but the team never made it official until much later.
Gronk may not be upset about the situation himself, but the debate highlights a broader question: should the Patriots have shown more respect to one of their all-time greats? The team has been in the news for other reasons lately, including a controversial ban on Macklemore and a sneaky kicker trick that got the NFL's green light. But this jersey controversy is a different kind of headache.
For now, Doubs will wear No. 87, and the debate will continue. Whether the Patriots eventually retire the number remains to be seen, but the conversation isn't going away anytime soon.
