Gronkowski comes out of retirement, traded to NFL's Tampa Bay

In an incredible turn of events, Rob Gronkowski has come out of retirement after his rights were traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers by the New England Patriots.

Tampa Bay will send a fourth-round selection to New England for the player's rights and a seventh-round pick as reported by NFL insider Ian Rapoport, writes Xinhua news agency.

The tight end, affectionately known as 'Gronk,' retired after the 2018 season which ended with a New England Super Bowl victory over the Los Angeles Rams. After sitting out the 2019 season, he will now return to football to team up with former teammate, quarterback Tom Brady who also sensationally made the move to Florida this off season after 20 years in Foxborough.

The pair formed one of the most dangerous offensive connections in league history for the better part of the last decade.

The Buccaneers are loading up for a small Super Bowl window with the additions of Brady and Gronk to go with their already stacked offense and top five defence. Although with three tight ends now on the books, it will be interesting to see who the odd man out will be between the out-of-favour OJ Howard or Cameron Brate.

All eyes will be on the six-foot-six-inch Gronk to see if his body can withstand the rigors of professional football after a season away. The former second round pick out of Arizona struggled with injuries throughout his career so a year of rest could see him refreshed and ready to go.

If and when the season begins, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be firm favourites to become the first team ever to play in a Super Bowl in their own city.