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Rob Gronkowski Reportedly Makes Decision On NFL Return

Originally posted on The Spun | By Matt Hladik | Last updated Feb 25, 2025 12:58 PM ET

After three years away from the game, Rob Gronkowski apparently has the itch to return to the NFL.

Gronkowski last played in the NFL for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 2021 season. He previously retired after the 2018 campaign, only to come back to football after sitting out the 2019 season. Gronkowski teamed back up with quarterback Tom Brady in Tampa in 2020, winning a Super Bowl, and went on to play one more year for the Bucs before hanging up his cleats again.

Since then, Gronkowski has gotten started on his media career for FOX, but a new report from Denver Sports' Cecil Lammey says the five-time Pro Bowler is eyeing another comeback.

Lammey reports that Gronkowski, who turns 36 in May, has been training recently in an effort to return to the gridiron.

"Sources tell me Gronkowski has been working out in Vail this offseason as he wants to physically be ready for another NFL season," Lammey said. "High-altitude training in the offseason could help him prepare for the rigors of training camp if a team shows interest. At age 35, and with a few years of rest on his body, Gronkowski may be better suited for a return than some think."

Rob Gronkowski at Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Penske Media via Getty Images)Gilbert Flores/Getty Images

Gronkowski previously said he was "100% retired" in Sept. 2023 and wouldn't even come back if it meant reuniting with Brady again. If Lammey's reporting is accurate, it seems like he changed his mind.

Interestingly, Gronkowski said earlier this month that fellow tight end Travis Kelce, who is also 35 and has been considering retirement, has a couple of years left to play if he chooses to do so.

“I see Travis Kelce continuing to play,” Gronkowski said, via On3. “If you watch him out in the field, he’s still very smooth in and out of his breaks. He knows what he’s doing, he can get open, he’s making big plays in the moments that he needs to make big plays. So I feel like watching him, he has about two, three years left in that tank."

Lammey mentions the Denver Broncos as a potential fit for Gronkowski, but we're sure more teams would want to get involved for the future Hall of Famer if he indeed wants to get back on the field.

Stay tuned.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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