Rob Gronkowski Thanks Patriots Organization and Fans Following Trade To Buccaneers

Robert Alvarez

4 years ago at 4:36 pm ET

David Mercer - USA TODAY Sports

As Rob Gronkowski starts a new chapter of his NFL career, he made sure to say one final goodbye to the team that drafted him and where he built his legacy on Thursday.

Gronkowski took to his Instagram and wrote a lengthy message to the Patriots organization and fans for all their support while reflecting back on all the good times and memories.

The three-time Super Bowl champion also went on to say “the fire is back” after spending a season in retirement.

Take a read at Gronk’s post in the link below.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_VbOXvBTBk/

Gronkowski made a surprise return to football Tuesday and was traded from the Patriots to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a fourth-round pick (No. 139 overall).

The Buccaneers also received a seventh-round pick (No. 241 overall) from the Patriots.

Also on Tuesday, Gronkowski’s agent Drew Rosenhaus told ESPN that he five-time Pro Bowler has been “really invigorated” physically since he retired from football nearly 13 months ago.

“He tells me he feels fantastic, the best he’s ever felt,” Rosenhaus said. “His weight’s back up to 260. He passed his physical with flying colors today. He’s just really excited about playing football again, and being in Florida is exciting for him.”

In his introductory Buccaneers press conference, Gronkowski shared the lessons he learned while a Patriot.

“I’m not going to sit here and say it’s the easiest organization to play for. …But it gets you right,” Gronkowski said. “It gets you mentally right. It gets you physically right. I’m going to take what I’ve learned under coach Belichick and apply it to my daily life.”

The trade reunites Gronkowski with quarterback Tom Brady, who reacted appropriately on Twitter.