Gronkowski announces he'll return for 2018 season after Belichick meeting
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski confirmed via Instagram on Tuesday that he'll be back with the team for the 2018 season.
A post shared by Rob Gronkowski (@gronk) on Apr 24, 2018 at 3:18pm PDT
The 28-year-old had been teasing retirement and a shift to either professional wrestling or acting, among other interests.
Still an incredible force on the field, having recorded a 1,084-yard, eight-touchdown campaign in 2017, Gronk has battled injuries throughout his eight-year career. He suffered a concussion in January's AFC Championship Game that put his availability for the Super Bowl in question.
He and quarterback Tom Brady were reportedly part of a group of Patriots still upset by the benching of corner Malcolm Butler during the Super Bowl. However, it appears any lingering bitterness was resolved after a meeting with coach Bill Belichick on Tuesday.
"I met with coach today and informed him I will be back for the 2018 season with the Pats," Gronkowski wrote on Instagram. "I have been working out, staying in shape, and feel great. Looking forward to another championship run."
The Super Bowl finalists have traded Brandin Cooks and lost Danny Amendola to free agency, but will return Gronk and Julian Edelman in the upcoming season.
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