Gronk excited for return: 'My fire is back'

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Rob Gronkowski doesn't regret taking a year off from football, but he's ready to get back on the gridiron.

Gronkowski ended his retirement Tuesday and was traded from the New England Patriots to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The 30-year-old took to Instagram on Thursday to tell fans that "my fire is back." He also thanked the Patriots organization after nine seasons in New England.

View this post on Instagram

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!!! "ai

A post shared by Rob Gronkowski (@gronk) on Apr 23, 2020 at 12:16pm PDT

The tight end ranks first in Patriots history in receiving touchdowns, second in receiving yards, and fifth in receptions. He won three Super Bowls during his time in New England.

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