Rob Gronkowski announced on his Instagram account today that he will play in 2018. Gronkowski’s agent Drew Rosenhaus confirmed that the all pro tight end is returning to the Patriots next season.

Gronkowski’s announcement ends two months of speculation as to whether or not he was going to play next season. Gronkowski was non-committal and even seemed to mock the Patriots over the weekend at a promotional press conference.

Something obviously changed after Saturday’s press conference because Gronkowski met with Bill Belichick and announced after the meeting that he was coming back. No one is privy to the conversation between the two but clearly Belichick drew the line with Gronkowski and somehow convinced him to play again.

Despite announcing he is returning next season, there are still questions regarding Gronkowski’s future with the team. Gronkowski clearly wants a new contract but it doesn’t appear he is going to get one from the Patriots. Gronkowski has two years left on his current deal and the Patriots seem to be content letting him play it out.

Despite the situation, Patriots fans can breathe easy. New England’s favorite meathead tight end is back. Provided he stays healthy, Gronkowski will once again be a force on the field. However thanks to his recent antics, Patriots fan have also grown weary of Gronkowski. The gloss has worn off the baseball card. Fans no longer revere him around these parts like they used to. Despite that, Gronkowski’s return is good for him and the Patriots.

in the end it all worked out but it is hard to imagine that there still isn’t some ill will there between Gronkowski and the Patriots. That ill will has been put aside. For now.