Gronk needs '4 more protein shakes' to hit playing weight

New Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski isn't worried about getting back into football shape after sitting out the 2019 season.

Gronkowski, who trimmed down during his retirement, said Wednesday that he's "basically four more protein shakes away" from hitting 260 pounds.

"Yeah, baby, yeah. You know it," Gronkowski told CBS Sports' Chris Hassel. "My lowest I got to was 240, and it felt good, you know. I’ve been above 260 pounds basically my whole entire life since high school."

Gronkowski added: "So it felt good just to drop that weight, ease up my joints, let my body free. I felt like that weight was loaded weight, too. So it felt good to get rid of it."

Many assumed Gronkowski was done with football due to his obvious weight loss in retirement, but the tight end made a stunning comeback in April, requesting a trade from the New England Patriots to reunite with longtime teammate Tom Brady in Tampa Bay.

"It's time to build back upon it, put lean muscle on my body, and get ready for the NFL season like I never have before," Gronkowski said. "It's a different way, a different type of training style I'm doing and everything. I'm about 257 pounds right now. Everyone thinks I'm like 240, 230, but I'm basically four more protein shakes away from being at my playing weight. I'm excited about that. I'll definitely be at my weight when it's time to go. I'll be around 260 to 265 when it's time to roll."

During his final season in New England, Gronkowski was limited to 13 games by the latest in a long line of injuries. The veteran also tied a career low with three touchdowns and produced just 52.5 yards per game, the worst mark since his rookie season.

While it remains to be seen if the future Hall of Famer can regain his top form, Gronkowski is clearly confident he'll be the same physically with the Bucs as he was during his prime.