Buccaneers news: Rob Gronkowski reveals how close he is to playing weight

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers now have Rob Gronkowski in the fold and he's working his way back to being in game shape for the upcoming season.

Some athletes gain weight after their playing days are over. But for football players, the inverse is typically true. Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski recently revealed his weight dropped to 240 pounds during retirement, the first time he had been under 260 since high school.

Is that @RobGronkowski flexing on @Hassel_Chris?

That is correct.

"I'm basically 4 more protein shakes away from being at my playing weight."

Gronk talks getting back into football shape 👇 pic.twitter.com/Q1fCZttA4D

— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) May 20, 2020

Gronkowski also said he is nearly at playing weight. The former All-Pro is currently sitting at 257 pounds (via Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk):

“Yeah, baby, yeah. You know it … My lowest I got to was 240, and it felt good, you know. I’ve been above 260 pounds basically my whole entire life since high school. Since senior year in high school, I was 260. I had never been under 260 since then. So it felt good just to drop that weight, ease up my joints, let my body free. I felt like that weight was loaded weight, too. So it felt good to get rid of it. So now it’s time to build back upon it, put lean muscle on my body and get ready for the NFL season like I never have before. It’s a different way, a different type of training style I’m doing and everything. I’m about 257 pounds right now. Everyone thinks I’m like 240, 230, but I’m basically four more protein shakes away from being at my playing weight. I’m excited about that. I’ll definitely be at my weight when it’s time to go. I’ll be at 260 to 265 when it’s time to roll.”

Gronkowski never believed gaining weight would be an issue. Considering how fast his comeback came together, that certainly makes sense.

The Buccaneers acquired “Gronk” from the New England Patriots after he expressed a desire to return and reunite with former quarterback Tom Brady.

Gronkowski should have plenty of freedom to operate in the seams with Pro Bowlers Mike Evans, and Chris Godwin split out wide.

The playing weight is merely about establishing a sense of normalcy as “Gronk,” and the Bucs look to make a run at the Lombardi Trophy.