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Six months after his second retirement, Rob Gronkowski released a cryptic tweet on Wednesday that sparked speculation about another comeback for the future Hall of Famer.
“I’m a little bored,” wrote Gronkowski, a 33-year-old former tight end who won four Super Bowls alongside Tom Brady with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Naturally, Bucs fans called for Gronkowski to return to the team to advance to the playoffs in the miserable NFC South.
Six months after his second retirement, Rob Gronkowski released a cryptic tweet on Wednesday that sparked speculation about another comeback for the future Hall of Famer.
Rob Gronkowski #87 and Tom Brady #12 of the Buccaneers celebrate after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium on February 7, 2021 in Tampa
‘Come back to the Bucs please!’ one fan tweeted. ‘We could use you to go win the Ship!’
“That’s a crazy idea, listen to me,” quipped another, “go play football with Tom Brady.”
Despite their 6-8 record, the Bucs sit in first place in the NFC South, which means the team is poised for another playoff berth.
Of course, the 33-year-old Gronkowski would have options if he decided to return.
“The Bengals could use a TE to fit in next to Hayden Hurst,” one Cincinnati fan tweeted.
“The Lions could use a tight end,” another fan added.
“Come to Las Vegas,” chimed in a Raiders fan.
Another Twitter, Random Recruiter, had a different suggestion for Gronkowski: “Learn to code in JavaScript and I’ll find you a job.”
Naturally, Bucs fans called for Gronkowski to return to the team for a playoff push in the miserable NFC South, not to mention supporters of the Bengals, Lions and Raiders.
Gronkowski has been rumored to return to the NFL almost since he retired before the summer. Even his former agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said he wouldn’t be surprised to see the former Arizona star return to the gridiron.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Tom Brady calls him during the season to come back and Rob answers the call,” Drew Rosenhaus told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. “This is just my opinion, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Rob returns during the season or next season.”
Gronkowski previously retired as a member of the Patriots in 2018, citing a litany of injuries, but was coaxed back to Tampa Bay when Brady signed with the Buccaneers as a free agent in 2020.
A second-round pick out of Arizona in 2010, Gronkowski went on to make five Pro Bowls and four All-Pro First Teams during his tenure at New England, where he won his first four Super Bowls. During that time he racked up 521 receptions for 7,861 yards and 79 touchdowns.
A fan with cutouts of Tampa players Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski. LA Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Divisional Playoff at Raymond James Stadium
Despite battling back injuries in New England, Gronkowski was mostly healthy through two seasons in Tampa, missing just four games and recording 1,205 receiving yards with 13 touchdowns.
He was particularly strong in Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl LV victory over the reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs, catching six passes for 67 yards and two touchdowns.
In addition to football, the western New York state native has dabbled in comedy, endorses a number of merchandise, and is frequently seen with his famous girlfriend, Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Camille Kostek.
Following Gronkowski’s announcement, Bucs general manager Jason Licht called the tight end a “true professional” in his own statement.
Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (#87) is greeted by QB Tom Brady after scoring New England’s second touchdown in the first quarter. The New England Patriots play the Denver Broncos in the 2012 AFC divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough in 2011
“He played a crucial role in our Super Bowl LV championship season in 2020 and battled various injuries last year while heading to one of the most productive receiving yardage seasons of his 11-year career,” Licht said. “It’s always hard to see a great player walk away from the game when he’s still enjoying that kind of success, but the overwhelming emotions he feels today are gratitude and respect for one of the greatest tight ends to ever play the game.”
“While his accomplishments on the field are sure to earn him a gold jacket and a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, it’s his humble attitude and team-first approach that truly defined his career.”
Gronkowski retires with 621 receptions for 9,286 yards and 92 touchdowns in the regular season, and another 98 receptions for 1,389 yards and a tight end record 15 touchdowns in the postseason. Over 11 seasons, he earned $70 million in NFL salary and had many endorsement deals.
Interestingly, he is one of four Gronkowski brothers to have played in the NFL, along with Glenn, Chris, and Dan, all of whom are fullbacks. His older brother, Gordie, played professional baseball in the minor leagues and in various independent leagues.
His great-grandfather, Ignatius Gronkowski, was a cyclist who raced in the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Rob Gronkowski attends the Ice Shaker’s Boats, Bottles, and Bros Media Event at The Tall Ship on July 12, 2022 in Boston