Rob Gronkowski thanks Patriots in statement, says his ‘fire is back’

Rob Gronkowski has officially come out of retirement to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but it does not sound like he has any hard feelings toward the organization that granted his request for a trade.

Gronkowski issued a lengthy statement on Instagram Thursday, and he began by thanking New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, head coach Bill Belichick and the fans that supported him through the first nine years of his career. Gronk also said he is incredibly excited to begin a new chapter of his career and that the “fire is back” after he took a year off.

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First and foremost, I want to thank the Patriots Organization for everything over the last 10 years. Without Mr. Kraft and Coach Belichick taking a chance on me in the 2010 draft, I wouldn’t be sitting here in this position in life, THANK YOU both as well my former teammates for everything over the years. . . New England Patriot Fans, you guys have been nothing but amazing. I love you guys and appreciate your constant support for me big time over the last 10 years (even during retirement). THANK YOU all so much, the memories are incredible #PatsNation. . . I am beyond excited for this new chapter in my life. It’s an opportunity I will certainly not take for granted. I said it from the beginning that I wouldn’t come back to the game unless I’m feeling it, feeling healthy, and feeling ready to play. Taking a year off was hands down the best decision I made, not just in my career, but also for my health and well-being, and I would do that all over again. . . And now my fire is back. I am grateful for this new chapter of my career. I’m pumped to get down to Tampa, meet my new teammates, work hard, have a blast doing it, and give it my all this season!! I’m back and ready to lay a smack! #GoBucs!! ARRR!!!

A post shared by Rob Gronkowski (@gronk) on Apr 23, 2020 at 12:16pm PDT

“Without Mr. Kraft and Coach Belichick taking a chance on me in the 2010 draft, I wouldn’t be sitting here in this position in life, THANK YOU both as well my former teammates for everything over the years,” Gronkowski wrote.

One noteworthy part of Gronk’s statement was that he said he is looking forward to playing in Tampa and “(having) a blast doing it.”

Gronkowski had broken down physically by the end of his tenure with the Patriots, but there were numerous indications that he had grown tired of the strict culture Belichick has created in New England. There was talk of tension between Gronk and Belichick prior to his final season with the Pats in 2018, and it’s fair to wonder if he would have come out of retirement even if Brady remained in New England.

Brady and Gronkowski will be a part of a much looser environment under head coach Bruce Arians in Tampa Bay. They are undoubtedly looking forward to that at this point in their respective careers.

Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski have teamed up yet again! Treat yourself or a friend with this great Tampa Fiesta shirt. You can buy it here.