Report: Robert Kraft Told Rob Gronkowski He Wanted Him Back for Playoffs

Apparently the Patriots owner told Gronk this as he was cleaning out his locker back in February.

Here is your weekly "is Rob Gronkowski going to return?" news dump.

Back in February when former New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski was cleaning out his locker and saying his final goodbyes to everyone in the organization, it is reported that Patriots owner Robert Kraft had one last favor to ask of the future Hall of Fame tight end. 

According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Kraft asked Gronkowski to return for the backside of the 2019 season. 

Here is what Rapoport said about the situation Sunday morning.

"Owner Robert Kraft walked up to him to say goodbye. According to sources, Kraft delivered a clear and concise message that would resonate for months.

"Kraft told Gronkowski that he wants him to return for November, December, and a playoff run. If that happened, the team not only would welcome him back but will remain hopeful that it happens."

Time is ticking if this is going to happen. Per NFL rules, Gronkowski has until Nov. 30 to return from the reserve/retired list, which is the day before New England's Week 13 game against the Houston Texans. If he doesn't return by then, then he is not eligible to play for the remainder of the 2019 season. 

Gronkowski has been adamant over the past couple months that he is enjoying his post-playing career and doesn't want to return to football. But a little persuasion from a select few people might change that.