Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski during a boat parade to celebrate victory in Super Bowl LV against the Kansas City Chiefs. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Rob Gronkowski confirms he's returning next season: 'I'm back'

Fresh off his fourth career Super Bowl, tight end Rob Gronkowski confirmed that he will be coming back for the upcoming NFL season.

"I'm back, man!" Gronk told TMZ. "I will be back playing football, man. I love the game of football. I loved playing last year. I had a great time."

Back in 2019, Gronk's career appeared to be over, as he announced that he was retiring at the age of 29 due to the toll injuries had taken on his body. However, once Tom Brady joined the Buccaneers last offseason, Gronk decided to come out of retirement and join his former quarterback in Tampa Bay. 

It's a move that paid off, as Gronk ended up playing a pivotal role in the team's win over the Chiefs in the Super Bowl, catching two of Brady's three touchdown passes. Following his impressive performance, Gronk gave himself a well-deserved break but he confirmed he had already begun training for the 2021 season.

"Let me tell you, I was a little bit sore first day of training, but it bounced back like that," Gronk said. "I'm feeling good."

To make his return official, Gronk will need to sign a new deal with the Bucs, as he is technically a free agent.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Timberwolves chew up Nuggets to force Game 7
Rangers secure spot in conference finals after stunning third-period comeback over Hurricanes
Xander Schauffele makes history in first round of PGA Championship
Yankees' Hal Steinbrenner shares massive Juan Soto contract update
Steelers' Cameron Heyward addresses contract holdout
Knicks star ruled out for potential closeout game
Dodgers starter undergoes season-ending UCL surgery
Clemson’s Dabo Swinney gives smug response about not using transfer portal
Caitlin Clark's debut was most-watched WNBA game in more than 20 years
Watch: Chris Kreider's natural third-period hat trick shatters Hurricanes' comeback hopes
Veteran NFL safety will either play for this team or retire in 2024
Former Red Wings head coach linked to open NHL job
How Patriots' Drake Maye has already impressed Jacoby Brissett
LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry among Forbes' highest-paid athletes for 2024
Steve Cohen addresses if Mets could again be trade-deadline sellers
Tiger Woods ruins strong first round with sloppy finish at PGA Championship
NFL responds to speculation about Chiefs schedule and Taylor Swift
Despite hopes for change, NASCAR championship weekend will return to Phoenix in 2025
Chiefs will achieve something not done since 1927 with 2024 schedule
Yankees' Aaron Judge comments on resurgence after bad slump