Wednesday 22 April 2020 11:28, UK
Rob Gronkowski has come out of retirement and been traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to reunite with quarterback Tom Brady.
The New England Patriots have traded the tight end and a seventh-round pick to the Buccaneers in return for a fourth-round pick.
Gronkowski, a four-time first-team All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl selection who turns 31 next month, passed his medical in Florida on Tuesday.
Gronkowski retired in March of last year after nine seasons with the Patriots but informed the franchise he wanted to return to the NFL and be traded to the Buccaneers for a reunion with Brady.
NFL Network's Ian Rapaport reported Gronkowski has been putting on weight for a return to football.
Gronkowski had one year and $10m remaining on his contract when he retired, so the Patriots still held his rights.
Gronkowski said in November that he would not say he was "never coming back", suggesting he could return to the league after a year or two away.
Widely considered to be one of the greatest players to ever play his position, Gronkowski recently moved into the world of WWE wrestling.
"Rob Gronkowski is one of the best tight ends in NFL history and he plays the game with the type of passion and desire that sets him apart," said Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht.
"Rob has played his entire career alongside Tom Brady and their accomplishments speak for themselves. Together they have developed the type of chemistry on and off the field that is crucial to success.
"Rob combines elite-level skills as both a receiver and blocker but what really makes him special is the fact that he's a proven winner who brings that championship mindset and work ethic."
A five-time Pro Bowler and four-time first-team All-Pro, Gronkowski totalled 521 receptions for 7,861 yards and 79 touchdowns across nine seasons for the Patriots from 2010-18.
He had 47 catches for 682 yards and three scores in 13 games in 2018, battling a few nagging injuries.
