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Rob Gronkowski spent his New England Patriots career setting an extremely high standard for offensive playmakers. The former Patriots tight end now expects A.J. Brown to do something special in his first season with the franchise. Gronkowski recently appeared on the “Up & Adams Show” and offered a massive prediction for New England’s new No. 1 receiver. He believes Brown’s arrival in Foxboro has done more than place the veteran in a promising offense with Drake Maye. Gronkowski sees a player who is happy, motivated and ready to deliver the finest season of his career. “I think he’s going to have his best year ever,” Gronkowski said. Why is Gronkowski so confident? “His heart was revived,” he said. That is quite a prediction considering what Brown already has accomplished during his seven-year NFL career. Rob Gronkowski Loves Patriots’ Blockbuster Addition Brown has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in six of his seven seasons. He produced a career-high 1,496 yards with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022 before recording a career-best 106 receptions the following year. A.J. Brown to have his "best year ever", says Rob Gronkowski... why? — Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) September 2, 2026 The 4-time Super Bowl champion: "His heart was revived." 🏈@Patriots | @RobGronkowski | @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/Ul7qiEXKZQ His 2025 season was quieter by his lofty standards, but Brown still finished with 78 catches for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns. New England paid a significant price to acquire him, sending Philadelphia a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round selection in the blockbuster June trade. Gronkowski believes the Patriots received exactly what their offense had been missing. “Adding A.J. Brown was a phenomenal move,” Gronkowski said during the Up & Adams appearance. “They needed that number one guy for Drake Maye.” Maye reached an elite level during his second NFL season without a receiver as accomplished as Brown. The quarterback completed 72% of his passes for 4,394 yards, 31 touchdowns and eight interceptions while finishing second in MVP voting. Brown should immediately change how defenses approach the Patriots. His size and physicality make him dangerous in contested situations. His ability after the catch can turn a short completion into a major gain, while his success downfield should give Maye more opportunities to attack vertically. “A.J. needs the ball to make a play every single time it’s thrown to him,” Gronkowski said. MORE: Mike Vrabel Reveals Most Important Drake Maye Change Since Super Bowl A.J. Brown Has Plenty Of Motivation In New England Brown’s departure from Philadelphia followed months of questions about his happiness and long-term future with the Eagles. There should be no similar uncertainty about his desire to play for the Patriots. Brown grew up supporting New England and expressed considerable excitement after the trade. His reunion with head coach Mike Vrabel also provided familiarity during the transition. Vrabel coached Brown during his first three NFL seasons with the Tennessee Titans. Brown immediately developed into one of the league’s most productive young receivers, surpassing 1,000 yards in each of his first two years. Now, Brown will work with Maye as the Patriots attempt to return to the Super Bowl. Gronkowski’s “best year ever” prediction sets a demanding benchmark. Brown would need to challenge his career highs of 106 catches, 1,496 yards or 11 touchdowns to make it a reality. He does not necessarily need to break every personal record to transform New England’s offense. If Brown remains healthy and gives Maye the dependable No. 1 target the Patriots lacked last season, the trade could be one of the moves that pushes New England back into championship contention. Gronkowski saw firsthand how one dominant pass-catcher can change an offense. He now believes Brown is ready to provide that effect for Maye. The Patriots will get their first real look when Brown makes his New England debut against the Seattle Seahawks, the same opponent that ended their season in February.