Rob Gronkowski Jan 9, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) against the Carolina Panthers prior to the game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Rumors have been swirling for days ever since former NFL tight end Rob Gronkowski tweeted “I’m kinda bored,” leading to speculation that he might be considering a return to the league just in time to make an impact in the playoffs. While the former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers star has downplayed that tweet, saying it was actually part of a promotion, he did mention that two NFL teams reached out to gauge his interest.

However, on Friday, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reported that Gronk reached out to the Buccaneers last month and had conversations with Bucs coach Todd Bowles about potentially returning.

“It was more of a conversation than anything else,” Bucs coach Todd Bowles said. “Usually, when you have to think about playing, you probably don’t want to play. When it’s just a discussion, I didn’t think much of it at the time.”

Per Stroud, Gronk made it clear that he had been working out and the two sides discussed some possibilities, including adding him to the practice squad so he could ramp up his return. In the end, however, Gronk decided to stay retired.

Tampa is currently 6-8 with a one-game lead in the NFC South, so they certainly could use Gronk’s talents to solidify that playoff spot. But for now, it sounds like the former tight end is remaining exactly that.

[TampaBay.com]

About Sean Keeley

Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Editorial Strategy Director for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.