What are friends for?

Brady defies coaches, re-enters game to make sure his pal Gronkowski gets his million-dollar bonus

Rob Gronkowski had the chance to unlock multiple incentives during Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Panthers, worth $500,000 each. The Buccaneers tight end needed 85 more receiving yards and seven catches to hit a $1 million jackpot, according to For the Win.

Tom Brady didn't want to get out of the game until he got Rob Gronkowski one more reception for a $500K incentive. pic.twitter.com/B3HdJnf0E8

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 10, 2022

Fortunately for Gronkowski, his longtime teammate and friend, Tom Brady, wasn’t calling it a day until he got paid.

With six minutes to go in the fourth quarter, Brady was seen picking up his helmet on the Tampa Bay sideline, appearing to yell at the coaching staff, before re-entering the game, despite a 14-point lead. The quarterback then connected with Gronkowski, who caught the 55th pass needed to unlock his bonus. Brady then exited the game in favor of backup Blaine Gabbert.

Gronkowski, who also needed 750 receiving yards this year for an additional incentive, hit that mark earlier in the game, bringing his total to 802 yards for the year.