It's official. New England Patriots tight end and former Arizona Wildcat Rob Gronkowski will return to the NFL for the 2018 season. Gronkowski announced his decision via Instagram after meeting with head coach Bill Belichick.ย
"I met with coach today and informed him I will be back for the 2018 season with the Pats. I have been working out, staying in shape and feel great. Looking forward to another championship run," Gronkoswki said in the Instagram post.
Gronkowski's future as an NFL player was a mystery since he entertained the thought of retiring after the Patriots' Super Bowl loss to the Eagles. He also missed New England's voluntary offseason workouts.
Rob Gronkowski said he was going to reflect on his future when asked if heโs considering retiring.
โ Henry McKenna (@McKennAnalysis) February 5, 2018
He wouldnโt commit to returning in 2018. pic.twitter.com/ApdZKKMqyM
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter on Twitter, Gronkowski's agent Drew Rosenhaus also met with Belichick.ย ย
โIt was very positive and Rob is committed,โ Rosenhaus said.
Entering his ninth season in the NFL, Gronkowski is currently in a six-year, $54 million contract, which expires after this season so he'll be a unrestricted free agent in 2019. But for now, the NFL will have another season of Gronkowski, which could mean a third straight trip to the Super Bowl for the Pats.ย
