That didn't last long.
Rob Gronkowski, who retired after the 2018 season, has decided to come out of retirement to join his former teammate in Tampa.
Gronkowski's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told ESPN on Tuesday that the New England Patriots have agreed to trade the 30-year-old tight end to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Patriots will receive a fourth-round draft pick, while the Buccaneers will also receive a seventh-round pick, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
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Gronkowski and Brady were teammates in New England from 2010-18, winning three Super Bowls together.
Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski: A Time to Remember
| Season | Record | Division | Playoffs |
| 2010 | 14-2 | AFC East Champions | Lost to Jets in divisional playoffs |
| 2011 | 13-3 | AFC East Champions | Lost to Giants in Super Bowl XLVI |
| 2012 | 12-4 | AFC East Champions | Lost to Ravens in AFC Championship |
| 2013 | 12-4 | AFC East Champions | Lost to Broncos in AFC Championship |
| 2014 | 12-4 | AFC East Champions | Super Bowl XLIX Champions |
| 2015 | 12-4 | AFC East Champions | Lost to Broncos in AFC Championship |
| 2016 | 14-2 | AFC East Champions | Super Bowl LI Champions |
| 2017 | 13-3 | AFC East Champions | Lost to Eagles in Super Bowl LII |
| 2018 | 11-5 | AFC East Champions | Super Bowl LIII Champions |
Although Gronkowski retired in March 2019 after a nine-year career, the Patriots still hold the rights to the five-time Pro Bowl player.
ESPN reports that Gronkowski has one year and $9 million remaining on his current contract with the Patriots.
The deal is pending a physical, but a source told Schefter that Gronkowski has passed.
Gronkowski alluded to a return to the NFL as recently as Monday, telling Andy Cohen on "Watch What Happens Live" that he's "feeling good right now."
"You just never know, man," Gronkowski said. "You never know."
Gronkowski stirred suspicions in February with a cryptic message shared on Brady's Instagram page. The post showed Brady working out on the beach shortly after Super Bowl LIV in South Florida.
Brady's one-time favorite target simply replied: "When you take year off, 52 + 31 = 83 + 4 weeks (miss pre season) now equals = 87 weeks to get better Tom. Think bout that 🤔"
In addition to their three Super Bowl rings together, Brady and Gronkowski combined to win nine consecutive AFC East Division titles and play in eight straight AFC Championship games.
Arguably the greatest tight end in NFL history, Gronkowski set franchise records in New England for touchdown receptions (79), most games with multiple touchdowns (16) and most games with at least 100 receiving yards by a tight end (26). The longtime wrestling fan signed a contract with the WWE last month and is the reigning champion of the WWE 24/7 Championship.
