Buccaneers' Rob Gronkowski's reason for still playing in the NFL is a no-brainer

Gronkowski is enjoying the second phase of his football career

Returning to the NFL was a no-brainer for Rob Gronkowski, vindicated by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers winning the Super Bowl in his first year out of retirement. The concussions Gronkowski took in his first NFL stint played a huge role in the future Hall of Fame tight end walking away from the game.

Gronkowski still has fun playing football, just like he did during his days with the New England Patriots. 

"It was a great decision [to come back], and I'm definitely glad I'm still playing," Gronkowski said to reporters at Buccaneers camp Wednesday. "It's a grind at times, but overall it always pays off."

Gronkowski finished with 45 catches for 623 yards and seven touchdowns for the Buccaneers last season, playing a key role in the team's Super Bowl championship run. His 86 career receiving touchdowns by a tight end are third in NFL history and his 29 100-yard receiving games are second on the all-time list. He's one of four tight ends in league history to have four 1,000-yard seasons and his 8,484 receiving yards are sixth all-time by a tight end. 

Gronkowski has the most receptions (89), receiving yards (1,273), and receiving touchdowns (14) in the playoffs from a tight end in NFL history. He has the most receiving touchdowns from any player since he entered the league in 2010. 

A year back in football shape has significantly helped Gronkowski, as the 32-year-old tight end believes he's significantly improved heading into the year.

"First off, conditioning wise. Coming off a year of not playing (in 2019) and then heading into a camp like this, it's hard work," Gronkowski said. "Coach [Bruce] Arians works us hard. He gets us in shape. He makes sure our bodies are ready for the upcoming season. That's one of the biggest things I feel like is just being in shape. 

"They're doing a good job as coaches – giving me the reps, giving me them back-to-back to make sure that I'm staying in shape and that I'm getting in shape. That's a big point of emphasis is staying in shape, so I can go full speed every play." 

Brady, Gronk and the gang are back. Are the Bucs ready to hoist the Lombardi Trophy again? Download the CBS Sports app to get up-the-minute updates on the defending champs. Favorite the Bucs now if you've already downloaded the CBS Sports app so you don't miss a thing.