Arians didn't think Gronk trade was possible: 'Tom brought it up'

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians didn't think a trade for then-retired tight end Rob Gronkowski was possible until Tom Brady suggested it.

"It was really Tom," Arians said Thursday on "NFL Live," according to ESPN's Jenna Laine. "Tom brought it up to me, and I didn't even think it was a possibility that he wanted to come back. And he was adamant about, 'Yeah, he really wants to play; he'd love to play with us.'

"So (general manager) Jason Licht got the ball rolling with the Patriots, the conversation was there, and he's working out, he's in great shape, and he's raring to go. So we're really looking forward to getting on the practice field."

Brady and Gronkowski played nine seasons together with New England (2010-18). The five-time Pro Bowl tight end caught 78 regular-season touchdowns from the quarterback, the most of any teammate in Brady's career.

The Buccaneers signed Brady to a two-year, $50-million contract this offseason. The six-time Super Bowl champion decided to test free agency after a legendary two-decade stint with New England.

One month later, Tampa Bay traded a fourth-round pick to the Patriots in exchange for Gronkowski, who is returning to the sport after retiring in March 2019 at the age of 29.

"I said it from the beginning that I wouldn't come back unless if I'm feeling it, unless if I'm feeling good, feeling healthy, and I'm feeling like I'm ready to go. And now this is the case. This is the time," Gronkowski said. "My body 100% needed a rest. I didn't have that fire underneath me. But I knew I loved the game of football."

Gronkowski, 30, has one year left on his current contract and can earn up to $10 million in 2020.

The three-time Super Bowl champion embraced a career at WWE during his time away from football. He said that he currently weighs 250 pounds, about 15 pounds lighter than he was during his tenure in New England.