17 January 2023 , 01:35
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NFL legend Rob Gronkowski has revealed he was close to coming back to the NFL after admitting he was tempted to stay in the sport after Tom Brady retired in 2022. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end walked away from the NFL after the Bucs were eliminated from the postseason by the LA Rams, but has been tipped to copy Brady and reverse that move.
Gronkowski, 33, is a free agent, and wouldn't be required to return to the Buccaneers if he were to end his retirement. The iconic tight end has remained in good shape, and has been tipped to come back to the sport at numerous points throughout the season.
If he were to return, it was expected he'd reunite with Brady once again and run it back with the Buccaneers. However, he's now admitted he nearly went elsewhere at the start of the season.
Speaking to the New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce podcast, Gronkowski opened up on talks with the Buffalo Bills before the start of the season, while revealing he was invited up to New York to visit the team facilities ahead of possibly signing.
However, he conceded that he simply didn't have the desire to return, and chose instead to stay retired - despite Brady ending his retirement after just a month.
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He said: "Now I'm retired again, I'm kinda a Buffalo Bills fan. Now I'm not playing no more I'm kinda like 'dang, how cool would it be to play for the Buffalo Bills?'
Rob Gronkowski nearly returned to the NFL this season (Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)"I actually thought about it when Tom retired this year. I didn't really feel like playing football again, but Tom retired and I thought I'd check out some other teams.
"I was in talks with the Buffalo Bills a little bit, they wanted me to come up there, and it just wasn't there. If my mindset was there, I'd most likely be in Buffalo right now playing for the Bills."
Gronkowski has been tipped to return to the NFL in 2023, with a move to the Las Vegas Raiders mooted. Brady is set to become a free agent after his contract expires, and is expected to move on from the Buccaneers, with the Raiders actively seeking a quarterback.