<![CDATA[Rob Gronkowski’s ‘fire is back’ after joining Tom Brady on Buccaneers]]> https://usagag.com/2020/04/23/rob-gronkowskis-fire-is-back-after-joining-tom-brady-on-buccaneers/ Thu, 23 Apr 2020 20:49:24 +0000 hourly 1 https://usagag.com Rob Gronkowski’s ‘fire is back’ after joining Tom Brady on Buccaneers Rob Gronkowski thanked Patriots fans, and promised a renewed vigor for those awaiting his Buccaneers debut.

The three-time Super Bowl-winning tight end came out of retirement earlier this week and was subsequently traded to Tampa Bay, where longtime teammate Tom Brady signed a month prior. Gronkowski had announced his retirement in March 2019 after nine seasons in New England, later revealing that the pain and injuries he suffered throughout his career took a toll on his mental health.

“First and foremost, I want to thank the Patriots Organization for everything over the last 10 years,” Gronkowski, 30, wrote Thursday on Instagram. “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 my 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.”

The five-time Pro Bowler expressed his excitement for a “new chapter” in his life, adding that it was an opportunity he wouldn’t take for granted. Gronkowski assured that he wouldn’t be coming out of retirement if he wasn’t feeling healthy and ready to play.

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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!!! 🏴‍☠️🏈

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“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.” he said.

“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!!!!”

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