Rob Gronkowski: Ex-Patriots star comes out of retirement to join Tom Brady at Tampa Bay
- Published
- comments
Tom Brady to Rob Gronkowski - Their best plays from the New England Patriots era
Former New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is to come out of retirement to reunite with superstar quarterback Tom Brady at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Gronkowski, 30, retired from the NFL in March 2019 - weeks after helping the Patriots to victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl 53.
Gronkowski had a year remaining on his contract when he retired so the Pats still held his rights, which they have now traded to Tampa Bay for a fourth-round draft pick, NFL.com reports., external
The Patriots will also give up a seventh-round pick as part of the deal.
"Rob Gronkowski is one of the best tight ends in NFL history and he plays the game with the type of passion and desire that sets him apart," said Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht.
"Rob has played his entire career alongside Tom Brady and their accomplishments speak for themselves - together they have developed the type of chemistry on and off the field that is crucial to success.
"Rob combines elite-level skills as both a receiver and blocker but what really makes him special is the fact that he's a proven winner who brings that championship mindset and work ethic."
Three-time Super Bowl winner Gronkowski has stayed fit in retirement and recently performed in the WWE, winning the 24/7 title at Wrestlemania 36 earlier this month.
Super Bowl 53: Stunning Rob Gronkowski catch sets up New England Patriots' touchdown
A five-time Pro Bowl selection, Gronkowski caught 521 passes for 7,861 yards and 79 touchdowns in 115 games from 2010-18.
He added 81 catches for 1,163 yards and 12 touchdowns in 16 postseason contests.
His move to Tampa Bay would be a big story in its own right, but reuniting with Brady - with whom he shared so much success across nine seasons in New England - means the media focus on the Bucs next season will be intense.
Brady, 42, joined the Buccaneers in March after 20 years with the New England Patriots. He is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, having won the Super Bowl six times - more than any other player.