Gronkowski, 33, announced his retirement Tuesday via social media.

He saiid, I want to thank the whole entire first class Buccaneers organization for an amazing ride, trusting me to come back to play and help build a championship team

Gronkowski said in his statement. "I will now be going back into my retirement home, walking away from football again with my head held high knowing I gave it everything I had, good or bad, every time I stepped out on the field.

"The friendships and relationships I have made will last forever, and I appreciate every single one of my teammates and coaches for giving everything they had as well.

From retirement, back to football and winning another championship and now back to chilling out, thank you to all."

However, Gronkowski's agent told ESPN's Adam Schefter that he wouldn't be surprised if his client could be coaxed out of retirement for a second time by Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady.

"It would not surprise me if Tom Brady calls him during the season to come back and Rob answers the call," Drew Rosenhaus told Schefter. "This is just my opinion, but I wouldn't be surprised if Rob comes back during the season or next season."

Gronkowski had previously retired after the 2018 season with the New England Patriots because of injuries.

The 2010 second-round draft pick out of Arizona largely credits Brady for setting the expectations for his career, and it was Brady who summoned him out of retirement in 2020 to play for the Bucs.