The Bucs seem to have a knack for bringing people out of retirement as of late. First, it was Head Coach Bruce Arians prior to last season after a year away from coaching. Now, the greatest tight end of all time with quite frankly, nothing to prove, decided he wants to give this football thing another go in the Sunshine State. Rob Gronkowski is back – and it only partly has to do with the fact that Tom Brady had set sail for Tampa Bay.
"I was getting questions all the time," Gronkowski said on a Zoom call Wednesday afternoon. "I was getting opportunities throughout [my] whole retirement to come back, which is special. I'm definitely blessed to have had those opportunities big time, but I said it from the beginning that I wouldn't come back unless I was feeling it; unless I'm feeling good, feeling healthy and I'm feeling like I'm ready to go. Now this is the case.
"This is the time."
Gronkowski retired after the 2018 season following a nine-year career with the New England Patriots. It saw him accumulate record after record, many of which still stand, and earned him three Super Bowl championships. He had been selected to the Pro Bowl five times and had been named All-Pro four times. But it had all come with a cost.
At the age of 29, Gronk was beat up, fighting through perpetual injury that left him unable to walk in some cases following games. It was enough to make him hang up his cleats for what he thought was for good. His body needed rest, he admitted. And last year, after playing football for about 15 years straight, he finally got it.
"I wouldn't say I had that fire, even at the end of last season, to come back but as the time rolled on, the last couple weeks, I started really picking it up," Gronkowski said. "My body started feeling good, my desire to play the game of football was coming back and I knew that by the time the season rolled around again, I would want to be back out there. That desire, that passion has lit into me and I just felt like the last couple weeks it was the right time to hop on before it was too late."
Spending a year out of football will mean he'll get back into shape, but he doesn't have as far to go as some people think. Gronkowski recalled a story where a guy he ran into at the grocery store a few months ago said he had thought Gronk had lost 80 pounds.
"If I had lost 80 pounds, I would look a lot different than I do now," he laughed.
Gronkowski even weighed himself Wednesday morning before his introductory press conference. Turns out, he's still 250 pounds, which is only about 15 under his playing weight. Gaining those extra 10-15 pounds before the season is just a matter of some extra shakes with almond butter and blueberries, according to him.
What was more concerning than being the right size was that Gronkowski hadn't exactly handled a football in a while. But a couple months back, he picked one up for the first time in almost a year with who else but his BFF Brady. And that's where the seed of his return was either knowingly, or unknowingly, planted.
"We actually got together about two months ago and we rarely talked about what his decision was going to be [or] where I'm at," Gronkowski said. "But we talked real quick like hey, I'm kind of getting that fire underneath me again, I told him. And I said I'm definitely interested in your decision that you make. I mean, I didn't put any pressure on him but I said that if you go somewhere and the opportunity is right, even if you go back to the Patriots and I feel like the opportunity is right, there's a possible chance that I would definitely love to reconnect. That's where the conversation started a little bit and he was all fired up and juiced up about it. That was something pretty cool at the moment and in the end, it just happened over time, which is pretty neat."
'Possible chance I would definitely love to reconnect.' Gronk is your ex you stayed friends with that you always had a soft spot for who comes back into your life at just the right time to maybe try this whole thing again. A guy you can't help but love. And the reunion is easy and familiar - and you pick up right where you left off.
"It just happened to be the right opportunity down in Tampa," said Gronkowski. "Yes, Tom was like the appetizer of the whole meal. He got me hooked when he went down to Tampa. I saw what was down there. Just the opportunity to go down there and play with that type of offense. I mean, they got some special wide receivers out there. They've got other great tight ends. Let me tell you, I love working with tight ends, too, so I'm definitely looking forward to working with O.J. [Howard] and Cam [Brate]. That's definitely going to be a special opportunity but I'm just blessed to be in this situation and have this opportunity big time."
View pictures from TE Rob Gronkowski's NFL career thus far.
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski stretches as he dives into the end zone, beating St. Louis Rams cornerback Kevin Dockery, right, for a touchdown in the second quarter during an NFL preseason football game Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski celebrates after scoring against the San Diego Chargers in the first half during an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) catches a 1-yard touchdown pass during an NFL game against the San Diego Chargers on October 24, 2010. The Patriots defeated the Chargers 23-20. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) hauls in a Tom Brady pass behind Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback William Gay (22) for a touchdown in the first quarter of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, left, gets past Buffalo Bills cornerback Leodis McKelvin for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 26, 2010. New England won 34-3. (AP Photo/Don Heupel)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates his touchdown reception in front of wide receiver Brandon Tate (19) in the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Jan. 2, 2011. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski smiles as he talks about his brother, tight end Dan Gronkowski, being signed by the Patriots today during a media availability in Foxborough, Mass., Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2011. The Patriots open their season against the Miami Dolphins in Miami on Monday night, Sept. 12. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) hits the turf as he catches a first quarter touchdown pass that gives the Patriots a 14-0 lead during the NFL week 3 football game against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, September 25, 2011 in Orchard Park, New York. The Bills won the game 34-31. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) of the New England Patriots warms up before play against the Miami Dolphins during a Monday Night Football Game September 12, 2011 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Patriots won 38 - 24. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) high steps while trying to break away from a tackle attempt by two defenders after catching a first down pass in the third quarter during the NFL week 3 football game against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, September 25, 2011 in Orchard Park, New York. The Bills won the game 34-31. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski (87) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of New York Jets free safety Eric Smith (33) and Marquice Cole (34) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski (87) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of New York Jets' Jim Leonhard (36) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) catches a 52 yard touchdown pass and runs over Kansas City Chiefs free safety Kendrick Lewis (23) for a second quarter score and a 7-3 lead during the NFL week 11 football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday, November 21, 2011 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The Patriots won the game 34-3. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski warms up before an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) spikes the ball as officials signal his touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011. Gronkowski had three touchdowns in the Patriots' 31-24 win. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) catches a touchdown pass over Washington Redskins strong safety DeJon Gomes (24) during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) runs past Washington Redskins strong safety DeJon Gomes (24) and Washington Redskins free safety Reed Doughty (37) during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Rich Lipski)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski celebrates a 34-27 victory over the Washington Redskins after the NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011 in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) heads downfield during an NFL game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011, in Denver. The Patriots won the game, 41-23. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) spikes the ball to celebrate his touchdown during an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012. The Patriots won 49-21 to clinch the number one seed in the AFC. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski celebrates his 10-yard touchdown pass against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski #87 10 yard pass reception for a touchdown in 1st qtr. action during an NFL football game between the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots Sunday January 14, 2012 at the Gillette Stadium Foxborough Ma. The New England Patriots defeated the Denver Broncos 45 - 10 in AFC division playoff action. (Ap Photo/ Bill Nichols)
Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Dannell Ellerbe (59) tries to stop New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during the second half of the AFC Championship NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) looks at the championship trophy after the AFC Championship NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots defeated the Ravens 23-20 to win the AFC Championship. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during Super Bowl XLVI Media Day at Lucas Oil Stadium, in Indianapolis, Indiana on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012. (AP Photo/Ben Liebenberg)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) runs for a gain after making a catch during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on Sunday October 27, 2013 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. New England won 27-17. (AP Photo/Aaron M. Sprecher)
FILE - In this Oct. 14, 2012, file photo, New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski (87) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks' Kam Chancellor in the second half of an NFL football game in Seattle. A Super Bowl matchup well worth watching: Patriots star tight end Rob Gronkowski vs. Seattle's Kam Chancellor, one of the few safeties in the league capable of stopping him. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) looks on during an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, September 21, 2014 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. New England won 16-9. (AP Photos/Aaron M. Sprecher)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski runs the ball after catching a pass against the Tennessee Titans in the first quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski warms up before an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy during the NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. The New England Patriots won 28-24. (AP Photo/Ric Tapia)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski celebrates after the Patriots beat the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) runs away from New Orleans Saints safety Vonn Bell (48) during an Week 2 NFL game, September 17, 2017 in New Orleans. The Patriots defeated the Saints 36-20. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates his touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, right, catches a touchdown pass in front of Houston Texans safety Corey Moore during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) plays against the Pittsburgh Steelers, in an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski runs after a catch against the Houston Texans during an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)
New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski (87) runs away from New York Jets' Marcus Maye (26) for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski speaks to the media following an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) is tackled by Buffalo Bills strong safety Micah Hyde (23) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Patriots won 23-3. (AP Photo/Rich Barnes)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) plays against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
FILE - In this Dec. 17, 2017, file photo, New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) plays against the Pittsburgh Steelers, in an NFL football game, in Pittsburgh. The New England tight end has dominated the Steelers throughout his career, no matter how Pittsburgh opts to defend him. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) plays against the Pittsburgh Steelers, in an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski speaks to the media following an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) dances as he celebrates a touchdown reception during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, left, catches a pass in front of Kansas City Chiefs safety Josh Shaw (30) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski (87) catches a pass for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski runs after catching a pass as Minnesota Vikings defensive back Anthony Harris, rear, tries to tackle him during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski warms up before an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Jan. 13, 2019 in Foxborough, MA. New England won 41-28 (Aaron Doster via AP)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) runs his route during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on Sunday October 27, 2013 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. New England won 27-17. (AP Photo/Aaron M. Sprecher)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) prior to an NFL football AFC Divisional playoff game on Sunday, January 13, 2019 in Foxborough. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) warms up before the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski speaks with members of the media during a news conference Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019, ahead of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game against Los Angeles Rams in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski (87) runs from Los Angeles Rams' Samson Ebukam (50) after catching a pass during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates their victory over the Los Angeles Rams during NFL Super Bowl 53, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Doug Benc)
New England Patriots Rob Gronkoswki #87 celebrates after defeating the Los Angeles Rams during NFL Super Bowl 53, Sunday, February 3, 2019 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski waves after the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. The New England Patriots won 13-3. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski (87) runs the ball against Los Angeles Rams' during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (Tom DiPace via AP)
New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates after defeating the Los Angeles Rams' during the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (Tom DiPace via AP)
New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski, center, celebrates alongside Camille Kostek, third from left, as the Patriots parade through downtown Boston, Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, to celebrate their win over the Los Angeles Rams in Sunday's NFL Super Bowl 53 football game in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) runs during NFL Super Bowl 53 against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019 in Atlanta. (Greg Trott via AP)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) walks to the podium after NFL Super Bowl 53 against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019 in Atlanta. (Greg Trott via AP)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates after NFL Super Bowl 53 against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019 in Atlanta. (Greg Trott via AP)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) runs the ball as Los Angeles Rams cornerback Marcus Peters (22) defends during the NFL Super Bowl LIII football game, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019 in Atlanta. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates after NFL Super Bowl 53 against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019 in Atlanta. The Patriots defeated the Rams, 13-3. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates as he leaves the field after NFL Super Bowl 53 against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019 in Atlanta. The Patriots defeated the Rams, 13-3. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates following the win against the Kansas City Chiefs during an AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019 in Kansas City, MO. The Patriots defeated the Chiefs 37-31 in overtime. (Joe Robbins via AP)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates after winning the NFL Super Bowl LI football game against the Atlanta Falcons at NRG Stadium on Sunday, February 5, 2017 in Houston, TX. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates after winning the NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015 in Glendale, Ariz. The Patriots won the game 28-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates on the field following the NFL AFC Championship playoff football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, January 20, 2015 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The Patriots defeated the Colts 45-7 to advance to Super Bowl XLIX. (AP Photo/Perry Knotts)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) holds a champions t-shirt as confetti flies and the Patriots celebrate winning the NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015 in Glendale, Ariz. The Patriots won the game 28-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) makes a touchdown catch against Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker K.J. Wright (50) during the first half of NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) scores a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium on Sunday December 1, 2013 in Houston, Texas. New England won 34-31. (AP Photo/Aaron M. Sprecher)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) runs a route during the NFL AFC Championship playoff football game between the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots , Sunday, January 24, 2016, in Denver, CO. The Broncos won 20-18 to advance to Super Bowl. (Tom Hauck via AP)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) makes a reception during warm ups prior to an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium, Thursday, September 7, 2017 in Foxborough, Mass. The Chiefs defeated the Patriots 42-27. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) of the New England Patriots scores on a five-yard touchdown pass against the New York Giants at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won 20 - 17. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during an NFL regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday, Sept. 29, 2014 in Kansas City, MO. The Chiefs won the game, 41-14. (AP Photo/Ric Tapia)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, October 5, 2014 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. New England won 43-17. (AP Photo/Aaron M. Sprecher)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski celebrates his touchdown catch against the Oakland Raiders in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski responds to questions after the NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. The Patriots won the game 28-24.(AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) lifts the Vince Lombardi trophy after defeating the Seattle Seahawks at Super Bowl XLIX on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Gene Lower)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) on the bench during an NFL preseason football game against the New Orleans Saints in Foxborough, Mass. Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski holds the championship trophy after the NFL football AFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 18, 2015, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots defeated the Colts 45-7 to advance to the Super Bowl against the Seattle Seahawks. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Fans toss snow in the stands as New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates his touchdown with quarterback Tom Brady, right, during the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins in an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017 in Denver. New England won 41-16. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New England Patriots Rob Gronkowski (87) during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins on September 07, 2014 in Miami,FL at SunLife Stadium.
(AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski holds up Vince Lombardi Trophy while celebrating with quarterback Tom Brady after the Patriots defeated the Seattle Seahawks 28-24 in NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Gary Wiepert)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates his touchdown catch during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2015, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates after winning during Superbowl XLIX game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots, on February 1, 2015 in Glendale, AZ. Th ePatriots defeated the Seahawks 28-24. (Tom Hauck/ AP Images)
Tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) watches during a pre-season game against the New York Giants September 2, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won 20 - 17. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) catches a 22-yard touchdown pass during the NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015 in University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The Patriots defeated the Seahawks 28-24. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski scores a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the second half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Bill Wippert)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski celebrates his first touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2015, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
