12up Logo

Rob Gronkowski Thanks Patriots Organization and Fans in First Social Media Post After Bucs Trade

By Sam Dunn

Rob Gronkowski thanked Patriots fans on social media after his un-retirement and trade to the Buccaneers became official
Rob Gronkowski thanked Patriots fans on social media after his un-retirement and trade to the Buccaneers became official /

"Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski" is a phrase you still have to get used to saying. Combined with "quarterback Tom Brady of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers," you've got a whole heck of a lot to get used to ahead of the next NFL season. And on a day in which a big batch of players will learn their first professional homes in the opening round of the draft, Gronk took time to break his social media silence and thank his former New England Patriots for all the memories.

The future Hall of Famer took to Instagram to send his very best to the only organization and fan base he's ever known.

View this post on Instagram

First and foremost, I want to thank the Patriots Organization for everything over the last 10 years. Without Mr. Kraft and Coach Belichick taking a chance on me in the 2010 draft, I wouldn’t be sitting here in this position in life, THANK YOU both as well my former teammates for everything over the years. . . New England Patriot Fans, you guys have been nothing but amazing. I love you guys and appreciate your constant support for me big time over the last 10 years (even during retirement). THANK YOU all so much, the memories are incredible #PatsNation. . . I am beyond excited for this new chapter in my life. It’s an opportunity I will certainly not take for granted. I said it from the beginning that I wouldn’t come back to the game unless I’m feeling it, feeling healthy, and feeling ready to play. Taking a year off was hands down the best decision I made, not just in my career, but also for my health and well-being, and I would do that all over again. . . And now my fire is back. I am grateful for this new chapter of my career. I’m pumped to get down to Tampa, meet my new teammates, work hard, have a blast doing it, and give it my all this season!! I’m back and ready to lay a smack! #GoBucs!! ARRR!!! ?‍☠️?

A post shared by Rob Gronkowski (@gronk) on

"New England Patriot Fans, you guys have been nothing but amazing. I love you guys and appreciate your constant support for me big time over the last 10," he wrote after expressing his gratitude to head coach Bill Belichick and owner Robert Kraft.

And now, it's on to Tampa for a new NFL adventure.

You can feel the excitement leaping off the screen.

In a word, "ARRR!!!"