The Bucs have several questions concerning their roster in the coming weeks. The biggest, of course, is Tom Brady’s decision on whether to continue playing. Tying into that will be future Hall of Famer Rob Gronkowski’s own mulling of retirement. On Monday, the 11-year pro said he will take a few weeks to decide his future.

“The emotions are flying high,” Gronkowski explained. “Your feelings are all over the place. I believe you really can’t make a decision in that mindset. The process I would say is to take some time off, recover, let the body heal. See where your thoughts are. See where your feelings are, give it a couple weeks. Then go from there.”

“I would say about a three, four, five-week period right now,” Gronkowski added. “Just clearing your mind and letting everything heal. Then see where you’re at, at that point.”

Gronkowski hasn’t been shy about speaking on the physical toll an NFL season can take. In fact, he’s been very outspoken about the rigors of the game, but said at this point his body feels good.

Bucs QB Tom Brady and TE Rob Gronkowski – Photo by: USA Today

“Overall there’s nothing serious with my body that’s nagging me,” Gronkowski said. “Just the typical after football games normal bruising and soreness. But nothing serious.”

Since coming out of retirement to join the Bucs two years ago, Gronkowski has been a pivotal part of the Tampa Bay offense. He’s amassed 100 receptions for 1,425 yards and 13 touchdowns in 28 games. The All-Pro added another 17 catches for 226 yards and three scores in six postseason contests.

While Gronkowski has said in the past the only quarterback he would play with is Brady, he left the door open for a return even if the quarterback retires.

“There could be a scenario like that,” Gronkowski said. “I mean I’ll never throw anything off the board. You never know how anything’s going to play out.”

Gronkowski will take some time to make his decision. But he did thank his teammates and the fans, as well as possibly giving an early glimpse into his future plans.