Rob Gronkowski is calling it a career. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Five-time Pro Bowl TE Rob Gronkowski announces retirement after 11 seasons

Rob Gronkowski announced that he is retiring from playing in the NFL... again.

"Gronk" first retired from the league following the 2018 campaign — his ninth and final season with the New England Patriots — but after taking one year off decided to join longtime teammate Tom Brady in the NFC with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The duo helped lead the Bucs to a victory in Super Bowl LV against the Kansas City Chiefs and to the NFC divisional round this past season.

Many speculated that Gronkowski's playing status for 2022 would depend on Brady's decision on whether or not to return for his 23rd season. "TB12" initially called it quits at the beginning of February but then unretired approximately six weeks later.

Some remain skeptical of the tight end's decision, even after Tuesday's announcement.

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