Former New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski shocked the NFL world on Tuesday (April 21) when he decided to un-retire and join the Tampa Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Back in the NFL after a year absence, Gronkowski announced his return in a way only he could.

The Patriots, who still had the rights to their former tight end, traded him to the Buccaneers (per his request) in exchange for a future fourth and seventh-round picks. Gronk will once again reunite with his former quarterback in Tom Brady, who signed with Tampa Bay on a two-year deal this offseason.

While Rob Gronkowski essentially sat out a year after announcing his retirement in March of 2019, the 6-foot-6, 268-pound tight end will have a chance to add on to his already impressive resume. Over the last decade, the Brady-Gronkowski combo has been arguably the most dangerous in all of sports. At the same time, the five-time Pro Bowler had struggled with injuries in his last few seasons and throughout his career.

Gronkowski joins a loaded Buccaneers offense that includes the likes of Brady, superstar receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, running back Ronald Jones and fellow tight end O.J. Howard.

Gronk seemed to have been enjoying his retirement, appearing in several WWE events and being the wacky character that fans have come to know over his nine-year NFL career.

As for the Patriots, there is still a major hole at the tight end position on their roster. Last season, none of the four tight ends who started at least two games recorded more than 172 yards or one touchdown.