Rob Gronkowski Confirms He'll Be Back With the Patriots This Coming Season

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will officially be returning to the field for the 2018 season, after missing two games and suffering a concussion earlier this year. According to ESPN, while Gronkowski earned the All-Pro honors last year and led his team with 69 receptions—resulting in 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns—his health has been a longstanding concern for fans eager to keep him on the field. Fortunately, Gronk is adamant he’ll be back in full force sooner rather than later.

Earlier today, Gronkowski and his agent Drew Rosenhaus met with New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, which apparently resulted in nothing but good news. “It was very positive and Rob is committed,” said Rosenhaus. While that could’ve been dismissed by some as merely the right thing to say, we fortunately heard from Gronk himself, who confirmed the news via Instagram today.

“I met with coach today and informed him I will be back for the 2018 season with the Pats,” Gronkowski wrote. “I have been working out, staying in shape and feel great. Looking forward to another championship run.” Clearly, the man is in good spirits and ready to put some work in, which should make Patriots fans smile from ear to ear. After all, this is the same man who publicly pondered the notion of retiring when asked about the idea after losing against the Philadelphia Eagles at the Super Bowl in February.

“I don’t know how you heard that, but I mean, I’m definitely going to look at my future, for sure,” he said. “I’m going to sit down in the next couple of weeks and see where I’m at.” When prodded even further, in terms of what it would take to get him to hang the jersey up for good, he staunchly maintained his position. “I’m not ready for these types of questions right now,” he said. I mean, I’m just going to sit down, reflect on the season, keep talking to my teammates…and just see what happens.”

Thankfully, Patriots fans no longer need to worry.