Tom Brady says he's coming back next year, but Gronk might retire

David Butler II | USA TODAY Sports

There are a lot of things going through everyone’s minds right now.

For the Philadelphia Eagles and their fans, it’s excitement and enthusiasm. For the New England Patriots and their fanbase, it’s confusion, sadness, annoyance, uncertainty. And it’s not fun at all.

Just minutes after the Patriots’ Super Bowl LII loss to the Eagles, quarterback Tom Brady and tight end Rob Gronkowski were getting grilled on retirement speculations and whether they plan to be playing again next year.

“I expect to be back, but we’ll see,” said Brady. “It’s 15 minutes after the game ended. Have to process this a little bit. Don’t see why I wouldn’t be back.”

This answer was a little less definitive of his “Yeah, you’re gonna see me playing football next year. I don’t envision not playing” response that was given before the game. More than likely, the less conclusive answer was out of anger and frustration.

But on the other hand, tight end Rob Gronkowski was way less decisive about his future.

“I am definitely going to look at my future for sure,” said Gronkowski. “I am going to sit down for the next couple weeks and see where I am at.”

“I’m going to reflect on the season. Proud of the boys and just see what happens.”

Unfortunately, we’re going to have to wait a while to see just what unfolds here.

All we really know now is that offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia are expected to move on to become head coaches of the Indianapolis Colts and Detroit Lions, respectively.

But as for Brady and Gronk, they have a right to step away for a while, think about the season, enjoy time with their families and “just see what happens.”

Follow Megan on Twitter: @carnahanmegan