Buccaneers’ Rob Gronkowski: I think Julian Edelman will return to NFL in a year or two if he heals up Updated May 10, 2021; Posted May 10, 2021 New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates his touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs with teammate Julian Edelman (11) in the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola) AP Facebook Share Rob Gronkowski says he’s been in Julian Edelman’s shoes. When the tight end retired after the 2018 season, Gronkowski’s body was battered and it needed time to heal. He started hawking CBD products, did some television for FOX, and then decided to come back and win a Super Bowl with Tom Brady and the Buccaneers. On ESPN Radio’s “Greeny” show, Gronkowski wouldn’t close the door on Edelman returning in similar fashion.