Former Bucs Player Rob Gronkowski Teases Another Possible NFL Return: Report

NEW YORK, NY — Retired Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski is no stranger to going back and forth about whether he will stay retired or make an eventual return to the football field. During a recent appearance on late-night television, he gave fans yet another reason to hope.

Talking to Jimmy Fallon on "The Tonight Show," Gronkowski said he was "kinda close" to making a comeback, adding that he "missed it sometimes," WFLA reported.

"I missed it sometimes, but not really. Then I'd miss it for like an hour, and then I would go workout, and then I'd be like, 'Nah, I don't miss it. I don't even have the energy to work out,'" he told Fallon.

Despite his sentiments, Gronkowski also told Fallon that he had a few phone calls this season and that he took them seriously, according to WFLA.

Gronkowski, 33, first retired from the New England Patriots after the 2018 season, but he returned to play with Tom Brady in Tampa Bay in 2020. The close friends led the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl title that season.

Gronkowski said he thought about returning a couple of times this season but couldn't commit to playing again. The Buccaneers (8-9) won the NFC South for the second straight year, but Brady and the offense sorely miss Gronkowski.

Gronkowski officially retired again in 2022. And Brady announced his retirement early Wednesday

• Related: Tom Brady Announces Retirement — This Time 'For Good'

Gronkowski left football as arguably the greatest tight end in NFL history. He won four Super Bowls in his career with the Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In 11 seasons, he compiled 621 catches, 9,286 yards and 92 touchdowns.

During his Patriots heyday, Gronk had four seasons of 1,000-plus yards and five double-digit touchdowns campaigns. He was also selected to the NFL's 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.

Gronkowski previously said the circumstances would have to be completely right, sources told ESPN in September. According to those sources, he wanted an opportunity with a Super Bowl contender that needed him and made a return to the NFL worthwhile.

Nevertheless, Gronkowski has entertained conversations and teased fans about returning. He admitted to having conversations with the Buccaneers about a potential return to Tampa Bay, Sports Illustrated reported. He also said he was close to joining the Buffalo Bills this season. Nothing came from either conversation, according to Sports Illustrated.

"Obviously, football is in my heart. I love playing the game. I thought about it a few times, actually," Gronkowski said. "I wasn't really close. In order for me to go back to football, my whole mindset, everything would have to be flipped knowing like that is what I'm going to do."

Until Gronkowski decides, fans can catch back on a football field for the Super Bowl. The four-time All-Pro tight end will attempt to make a field goal in Arizona on Feb. 12 during a live Super Bowl television commercial for FanDuel.

Anyone who places a Super Bowl bet of $5 or more on FanDuel will win a share of $10 million in free bets if Gronkowski makes the field goal.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.