Lost in all of the hype surrounding Tom Brady’s return to Foxboro is also the return of old friend Rob Gronkowski.

Gronkowski retired after the 2018 season and was out of the game in 2019. When Brady signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last spring, he coaxed Gronkowski out of retirement and the Patriots ended up trading Gronkowski to the Buccaneers.

After a slow start last season, Gronkowski was force down the stretch and once again looked like the player who is widely regarded to be the greatest tight end of all. Gronkowski caught two touchdown passes in the Bucs Super Bowl LV win.

Gronkowski was a free agent this past off-season and after some uncertainty, opted to re-sign with the Buccaneers. He has picked up where he left off last season. He has be a nightmare one on one, especially in the red zone.

Gronkowski is listed as questionable for this week’s game after taking a shot in the ribs on Sunday against the Rams. If he does play, it will be interesting to see what kind of a reception he gets from the Patriots faithful. He was beloved here and when he retired, many people believed it was because his body had broken down and it was time. Coming out of retirement chapped some Patriots fans. They were not happy about it and they will let him know come Sunday night.

Like Brady, Gronk will get cheered in pre-game but once the game kicks off, he will be just another opponent. He will get booed. As he should.