Ever since Rob Gronkowski retired after the 2018 season, there have been constant rumors that he could return to the New England Patriots in 2019. After a few failed attempts to get him to come back, Gronkowski has hinted at a possible return if the NFL legalizes CBD.

“I don’t want to be banned from playing the sport I love because I’m using a product that anyone can buy right off the shelf at their local pharmacy,” Gronkowski said at a news conference Friday. “I’m not really sure why it’s banned.”

In August, the charismatic tight end partnered with CBD Medic to advocate for the use of CBD in the NFL. Upon his announcement to partner with CBD Medic, Gronkowski discussed the physical and mental battles he faced during his nine-year career in the NFL.

Gronkowski points towards CBD as a possible solution to helping players cope with the everyday pains of playing a violent sport. Currently, the NFL has CBD as a banned substance and they haven't made any exceptions for it. However, the NFL has been conducting studies that highlight the effects of CBD.

The NFL and NFLPA have constantly had talks on a new Collective-Bargaining Agreement and they both want to get a deal done by the beginning of next season. There's no doubt that the use of CBD will be a talking point in their discussions in the coming months.

Along with his partnership with CBD Medic, Gronkowski has also recently joined the Fox Sports NFL crew on Thursdays and Sundays. In the event that the NFL authorizes CBD for the 2020 season, Gronkowski could put his analyst career on hold.