Rob Gronkowski On Mike Vrabel's Patriots, Belichick At UNC & Joining Brady On Buccaneers | Bussin'

Summary

Bussin' With The Boys: Rob Gronkowski on Patriots, Belichick at UNC & Joining Brady on Buccaneers

Release Date: May 20, 2025

Hosts: Will Compton & Taylor Lewan
Guest: Rob Gronkowski

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Introduction

In this episode of Bussin' With The Boys, NFL superstar Rob Gronkowski joins hosts Will Compton and Taylor Lewan to delve deep into his illustrious career, his relationships with iconic figures like Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, and his transition from the New England Patriots to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The conversation is rich with personal anecdotes, career insights, and reflections on both on-field and off-field experiences.

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Early Career and College Days (00:27 - 03:31)

Rob Gronkowski opens up about his journey from high school football to the University of Arizona. He shares the pivotal moments that led him to choose Arizona over other top programs like Ohio State and Clemson.

Rob Gronkowski [24:00]: "I fell in love with that place from the very beginning. I just fell in love with the University of Arizona."

Gronk discusses the challenges he faced during his college years, including a significant back injury that nearly derailed his football aspirations. Despite missing his junior year due to a microdiscectomy surgery, his determination kept him on track for an NFL career.

Rob Gronkowski [31:35]: "I had enough film to get me drafted in the second round."

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Transition to the NFL and New England Patriots (03:31 - 08:08)

Rob details his entry into the NFL, highlighting his draft experience and initial struggles with adapting to the Patriots' complex playbook under Bill Belichick.

Rob Gronkowski [36:34]: "If I could, I wish I could replay my junior year and play at the University of Arizona. But I still left early. Still left early."

Despite early setbacks and limited playing time during his rookie season, Gronk's perseverance and work ethic eventually earned him a prominent role on the team. His rapport with Tom Brady began to flourish, setting the stage for one of the most successful partnerships in NFL history.

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Building Chemistry with Tom Brady (08:08 - 35:06)

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Gronk's relationship with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. He recounts how Brady's rigorous standards pushed him to elevate his game, fostering a mutual respect that translated into numerous Super Bowl victories.

Rob Gronkowski [56:21]: "That's why I was blessed and I'm so thankful that he was hard on me as well, because we would have never gotten that chemistry without it."

Gronk also touches on the challenges faced within the Patriots organization, including off-field distractions and high expectations. His stint with the team was marked by both triumphs and tribulations, including interactions with notable players like Julian Edelman.

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Off-Field Antics and Media Appearances (35:06 - 61:37)

Rob reminisces about his off-field persona, characterized by partying and media engagements. From his cameo appearances in popular shows like Entourage and Family Guy to unforgettable moments like spiking a Steve Harvey LEGO set, Gronk embraces his fun-loving nature while acknowledging the balance required to maintain professional excellence.

Rob Gronkowski [118:08]: "I was super handicapped. I was actually coming off the knee injury, so I was... just went along."

He humorously shares stories of his early podcasting ventures and the camaraderie with his teammates, emphasizing the importance of maintaining relationships both on and off the field.

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Retirement, Return, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (61:37 - 77:39)

Gronk discusses his initial retirement from the NFL, attributing it to physical wear and the need for a lifestyle change. However, the allure of playing alongside Tom Brady once more in Tampa Bay led to a triumphant return.

Rob Gronkowski [93:34]: "Tampa was cool like that. They were down for it."

His transition to the Buccaneers is marked by renewed enthusiasm and a focus on sustaining peak physical condition, allowing him to continue contributing significantly to the team.

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Blocking Mastery and Playing Style (77:39 - 97:22)

A highlight of the episode is Gronk's deep dive into his playing style, particularly his blocking prowess. He recounts high-impact plays where his blocking turned the tide of crucial games, underscoring the often underappreciated role of a tight end beyond just receiving touchdowns.

Rob Gronkowski [84:09]: "It's always about the blocking game. I took pride in the blocking game more than scoring."

Gronk emphasizes the importance of understanding and mastering both the offensive and defensive aspects of the game, attributing much of his success to his versatility and physicality.

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Relationship with Coaches and Team Dynamics (97:22 - 135:48)

Rob provides an insider's view of the Patriots' coaching dynamics, particularly his interactions with Bill Belichick. He shares anecdotes illustrating Belichick's tough-love approach and how it ultimately fostered a winning mentality within the team.

Rob Gronkowski [115:33]: "Coach always got you to that mindset. Hungover, not feeling so good when you hit that field. That aura in New England got you to focus on winning."

Gronk also touches upon his experiences with teammates like Julian Edelman and the cultural shifts within the team, especially during tumultuous periods involving players like Aaron Hernandez.

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Post-NFL Ventures and Future Plans (135:48 - End)

Transitioning from football, Rob discusses his ventures into media and business. From launching his podcast Dudes on Dudes to making strategic investments, Gronk showcases his entrepreneurial spirit. He also reflects on the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle post-retirement, highlighting practices like yoga and mindfulness to stay grounded.

Rob Gronkowski [142:50]: "Work smarter, not harder, boys. That's what it's all about."

Looking ahead, Gronk expresses excitement about future projects, both in sports and entertainment, while emphasizing the lessons learned from his NFL career about discipline, resilience, and the value of strong personal relationships.

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Notable Quotes

• Rob Gronkowski [36:34]: "If I could, I wish I could replay my junior year and play at the University of Arizona. But I still left early."

• Rob Gronkowski [56:21]: "That's why I was blessed and I'm so thankful that he was hard on me as well, because we would have never gotten that chemistry without it."

• Rob Gronkowski [84:09]: "It's always about the blocking game. I took pride in the blocking game more than scoring."

• Rob Gronkowski [142:50]: "Work smarter, not harder, boys. That's what it's all about."

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Conclusion

Rob Gronkowski's candid conversation with Will Compton and Taylor Lewan offers listeners an unfiltered look into the life of one of the NFL's most charismatic and accomplished players. From overcoming injuries and navigating team dynamics to embracing media opportunities and planning for life after football, Gronk's story is one of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering passion for the game.

For fans and newcomers alike, this episode serves as an inspiring testament to the dedication and spirit that Rob Gronkowski embodies both on and off the field.

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Listen to the full episode here.

Transcript

[Rob Gronkowski]

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[Rob Gronkowski]

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[Taylor Lewan]

Just drinking beer.

[Rob Gronkowski]

And making that noise, baby.

[Will Compton]

I'm hanging with the fellas.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Busting with the boys, bro.

[Will Compton]

Are we rolling, Mitchie?

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah. All right.

[Will Compton]

We're rolling right now. Let's give a round of applause for Rob Gronkowski finally making out the bus.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yes.

[Will Compton]

Been a long time coming. Three years time.

[Rob Gronkowski]

We've been trying for three years. And the pleasure to finally be on.

[Will Compton]

Bus boys, where the first time we met was at my house. You were doing about 2000 of NAD. Just sat there and stared at the wall for three hours. Just dying for a little bit. The next time, tight end, you.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yep.

[Will Compton]

We were putting the full court press on them. And then we almost made it happen. But then I had to go to town for something. I can't remember what it was. Must have tried several times. We've tried this several times.

[Taylor Lewan]

Like Gronk said, the perfect moment's going to strike. And that perfect moment is now right with you. Know why? Because of fandom.

[Will Compton]

Because of fandom.

[Taylor Lewan]

Fandom brought all the boys together.

[Will Compton]

The number one sportsbook in all of America.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah. If you are watching right now, make sure you are subscribed to the channel. It's EAS easy for you. It helps the boys out a lot. Busting with the boys is presented by FanDuel Sportsbook. FanDuel is America's number one sportsbook. We just finished up the PGA championship. The NBA and NHL conference finals are underway. The NFL schedule dropped last week, and FanDuel's here for all of it. The matchups are set. The Minnesota Timberwolves and the Oklahoma City Thunder in the west. The Indiana Pacers in the New York Knicks in the east. Who are we riding with for the rest of the pro season? For the rest of the pro season.

[Will Compton]

Boys, I'm going to give you the Knicks. Give me the Knicks.

[Taylor Lewan]

Look, I'm I'm just. I don't know shit about basketball, but I'm going to ride with the Knicks because I feel like they've created the most chaos on social media.

[Will Compton]

Yeah.

[Taylor Lewan]

Taking down the Celtics.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I was actually just at game. I think it was game four. It was in New York, and I was there actually with fanduel. I was up in their suite, you know, shooting some content, making some bets in the game. And that atmosphere in New York at Madison Square Garden was absolutely electric. My man, I'm talking. I never seen a basketball game like that. The Garden in Boston is always electric, but it. It was like another level, you know, in New York City, I feel like. Because they haven't been in the playoffs or that far in so long, and they're also facing the reigning champs and they did win that game as well. So New York is popping. But I'm not a Knicks fan. I'm a Celtics fan, actually. Not really. I don't really have a true NBA team because I grew up in Buffalo. But I'm cheering for Oklahoma Thunder right now. I just watched Game seven versus. No, I'm not going Knicks. I was just giving them credit for their acting.

[Will Compton]

Yeah.

[Taylor Lewan]

And it does. It feels like the fan base is psychotic and.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Psychotic.

[Will Compton]

Yeah. The last game they just played, they beat the. Out of The Celtics, like 118 to like 84, something like that.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Tatum was down. Brown has like a torn mcl.

[Will Compton]

They're getting.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Football had like an illness. Yeah. Football injuries that they just don't know how to work through because they're not football players.

[Will Compton]

Gotta get that soft dish. Get that soft dish figured out, baby. The. And also Timothy Chalamet. You see that guy sitting outside the suv?

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah. The videos after the game, like, outside. Timothy Charlemagne. And then like, there's some fake. What is that? What is that?

[Will Compton]

I think you said it nice.

[Taylor Lewan]

Charlemagne.

[Will Compton]

Yeah.

[Taylor Lewan]

Charlotte Charlemagne.

[Rob Gronkowski]

That's a hard name to say.

[Taylor Lewan]

It's a hard name.

[Rob Gronkowski]

You don't want me to try.

[Taylor Lewan]

And I saw some other Timothy with their throwing, like, trash bags at him. Who. Who is that? It was that a Celtics fan.

[Rob Gronkowski]

That was an Indiana Pacers fan and he was wearing the star player's name. What's Hall. Burton.

[Will Compton]

Sure.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah. Halliburton's jersey. And they throwing trash cans and everything at him and just videoing it, dude.

[Will Compton]

The north, the northeast, which is.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Which is wild. That's too much, man. Just because he's wearing the jersey around the city and you're attacking him. I mean, it was one verse, like a thousand the guy just had to walk away in shame. But I think that's too much to start throwing trash at like a random fan that's just wearing another jersey. Something in the middle of the streets.

[Will Compton]

I kind of love it.

[Rob Gronkowski]

You do?

[Will Compton]

I do. Because it's just like it adds for the entertainment. For the entertainment. I don't think we should ever hurt somebody. We should never be hateful. Checkbox, check, checkbox, checkbox. But I also think, like when fan bases are that nasty, you talk about like the Philadelphia Eagles, like, that adds to the storyline of all the teams playing and the last time they played X, Y and Z happened. Like, I think it's good for sports and the culture and everything like that. There's a place for it.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Just as long as it doesn't lead. Right. As long as we're not pulling out Aggressiveness.

[Will Compton]

Yeah.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Stabbing fights and yeah, people getting stabbed. But that's usually what it leads to.

[Will Compton]

Right, right. If we can just throw a nice bag of trash at somebody and they maybe chest, like bump chest a couple times, push each other.

[Rob Gronkowski]

All right, we'll move on.

[Will Compton]

Yeah, we'll take that every day of the week.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Maybe throw a couple fists.

[Will Compton]

Yeah, if it was a couple. Yeah, yeah, just a couple. Keep it classy. Since we're showing the basketball thing. Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese. Where do you stand on that?

[Rob Gronkowski]

I'm a Caitlyn Clark fan.

[Will Compton]

Are you really?

[Taylor Lewan]

Where do you stand on.

[Will Compton]

Have you. Do you see this past weekend.

[Taylor Lewan]

I see how the Internet's blowing up about it and making it something like.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Way more than I really do think that Angel Reese does not like Caitlyn Clark. Clark.

[Taylor Lewan]

Well, she probably doesn't like they have probably a competitive rivalry, but everybody tries to make it about some race thing.

[Will Compton]

Storyline. Oh yeah.

[Rob Gronkowski]

But the first time I'm a Caitlyn Clark fan because I actually just hearing a lot about her when she was at Iowa. What was it? I think her second last year when they. When she was playing in all the games. No, I think it was her last year and I haven't seen her play yet. And then she was in the tournament and I finally watched a game in the tournament and she was just shooting threes up like she was Steph Curry and she was just sinking them from like five feet past the three point line. That's when I became a big fan. Just watching her first game in the tournament. Tournament. And I was just thrilled watching her and I was, I was in shock just how smooth she was too with all her passes. The way she dribbled and the way she shot. And then ever since then, I became a big fan of her game and now I follow her through the WNBA and I follow that whole beef. Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark. And I think Caitlin Clark is on the pedestal of being top dog in the NBA and the wnba. And Angel Reese I feel like is just a little bit jealous.

[Will Compton]

You know the thing when we go, we talk about storyline college.

[Rob Gronkowski]

That too. It goes all the way, way back.

[Will Compton]

To then Caitlin Clark being as good as she is is. So she comes in. There's a big jump in the, in the viewership in wnba. But that wouldn't be sustainable if there wasn't the Angel Reese's adding to like the hate. Now we have this big rivalry going on. So next time they play, the seats were filled for that game. And I just think it's brought a.

[Taylor Lewan]

Lot of attention to the league.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah, I don't think. Yeah, I agree. You need Angel Reese to have this hatred to Caitlin Clark and all these other players to keep getting that attention that the WNBA actually deserves as well. And it's working, right? You know, if they were all for Caitlin Clark. Oh, she's such a good player.

[Will Compton]

Right?

[Rob Gronkowski]

She's so sweet to play again.

[Will Compton]

This.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I'm gonna let her shoot her three pointer. I'm not gonna contest it. No. Since she's getting elbows thrown at her. People are loving that. And people love physicality in sports. That's what fans love. That's why hockey's back. All the fighting when the with the four nations, everyone's throwing elbows at each other, the checks. That's why the NBA is kind of back in the playoffs right now because the referees are letting all that physicality, you know, just go on. They're getting physical again in the pain. They're throwing elbows, they're playing hard. And fans love to see that. And that's why football is the greatest sport because every play is physical. You don't know what's going to happen. You're getting dirty every single play.

[Will Compton]

I love it.

[Taylor Lewan]

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[Will Compton]

Before we go any further, could we just get a quick moment of silence for my beloved Toronto Maple Leafs? Thank you very much for your time.

[Rob Gronkowski]

You know, that was tough for me because I'm from Buffalo. I'm a big Buffalo Sabres fan. Toronto Maple Leafs was our rival, really, you know, throughout my whole childhood, especially Tai Domi versus Rob Ray. All those fights back in the day. I love both of them. Just getting after it. Yes. But I. I didn't really want to give that moment of silence.

[Will Compton]

I will say this if we can. We can be nasty about Toronto now. They're in game seven in the biggest game in your franchise's history since 1967, when you actually won the Cup. Disgusting display of effort. The boys were. Did not want it. Yesterday in the first period, 00. Then all of a sudden, I. I go to start putting my kids down. I pop up the YouTube TV as I'm laying on the ground, as they're falling asleep and they're just getting throttled.

[Taylor Lewan]

It was like three goals within 10 minutes, buddy.

[Will Compton]

And they just got after them over and over and over again. I mean, they killed a great penalty after the first period. And then wall. It was a wall. He was a goalie. Correct. He became a sieve in those last two periods. And it was just tough, dude. Tough.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Well, I know history repeats itself. And I think the Toronto Maple Leafs have folded in basically every game seven in the last five, six years. Right. In the playoffs. So I actually did my first NHL bet on FanDuel sportsbook last night. I bet 200 on the Florida Panthers just beating the Toronto Maple Leaf straight up. And I won. Let me pull it up, man. I'm telling you, it's my first bet I've ever made. And I'll pull up my NHL world.

[Taylor Lewan]

Taylor put five grand on the Maple Leaf Leafs.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah. That must have not worked.

[Will Compton]

No, it didn't hit. It did hit.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah. Yeah. Mine hit. And I bet the Florida. Yeah. Yeah. So I kind of wish you won now and then we could have, like, winning your bet.

[Will Compton]

Taylor bet a lot more and got his ass.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Let me gon. It was actually my first bet in the state of Tennessee, too, which is really cool. All right. Right here. Tennessee settled. Look at that. Florida Panthers. Total wager 213. 40.

[Taylor Lewan]

I love that.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah, look at that.

[Will Compton]

You know what? That'll show me.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I. You know, I just kind of wanted to just show it off. Check it out.

[Will Compton]

Yeah, I did see that. I. I saw that on Twitter last night. I'M just thinking to myself, God damn it.

[Taylor Lewan]

Well, I was just watching. I was doing the same thing.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I was a thousand percent.

[Will Compton]

Right now my last, my last four bets with the Toronto Maple Leafs have gotten murdered and I had Toronto a futures bet on them winning the Eastern Conference finals and obviously that's not going to come, come together anymore. That's now dead.

[Taylor Lewan]

Biz has been such a like, you know, voice for the Leafs and then you've obviously been riding with the Leafs too. So knowing that they were in a game seven when I was just watching it last night, she says like, you know, non hockey guy, just watching as a, as a fan, for the love of the game, for the love of the game. We got a game seven going on. It did seem like Florida was just playing at a different speed. Just bullying, bullying the Maple Leaf.

[Will Compton]

I had Clump on the phone with a bunch of people from fanduel setting up something. When they won this game. I was going to go to a game in Toronto. Yeah, check it out. Get the environment, see what that's all about. Sure enough, man. Well they the bed and everyone told me Toronto is like the Dallas Cowboys of hockey. Like they're like the biggest, most well known franchise. They sell the most jerseys, they make the most money, blah, blah. And I thought that's great. I'll get behind them. It'll be a fun fan base to play with. Little did I know if they really are the Dallas Cowboys, they'll the bed in the playoffs. And that's what just happened. Yeah, tough, tough.

[Taylor Lewan]

It was 1 2. Like when it was 00 after the first period, I was like, I wonder if it'll work because you can notice that Florida was just out playing them the whole time. Even though 00 it was like 17 hang around and the Leafs might just pull something off. But then they just started to just put their face in the pillow.

[Will Compton]

Austin Matthews, the Scottsdale Arizona guy. Captain.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah.

[Will Compton]

I was like, man, I need an Arizona boy to run it for us. But now we got Chuck, good Chuck for the Panthers.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I mean my favorite player in the NHL though is the Edmonton Oilers. Going blank. Yeah, McDavid. I mean I love just how he skates around. Just he's incredible. Ice to ice, you know, line to line and just goes around everyone. I'm cheering for him. I'm hoping that Oilers win it all. Plus I feel like the NHL needs a Canada team to, you know, win it. It's been so long and I think that'll bring hockey back in a way. Even though, you know, Four nations. Yeah. Even though we're beefing a little bit hard right now.

[Will Compton]

Yeah.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Canada's beefing with the US Real world. I think it would be. Yeah, I think it would be really good if Edmonton Oilers win it for.

[Taylor Lewan]

The NHL just for the sport, the attention and everything.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Exactly. And on top of it, on top of speaking about hockey, my brother texted me this morning. He goes, you have to let. Because I was like, I'm going on with Boston with the boys. And I didn't really know. I don't think he really knew. That's truly. You guys are like more of a football podcast. And he goes, you have to let them know you're going to be in the hockey world soon with all your nephews. So I just want to give a shout out to all my nephews. They're up and coming in the hockey world right now. They're playing on the Buffalo Junior Sabres. They're ballers and you'll be hearing a lot about them in the future. He's eight years old.

[Will Compton]

Ralphie didn't like that we're talking. Was not a fan of that hockey.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I told my brother I would get it in if somehow the hockey subject gets brought up. So there you go, brother. And Jace Grayson keep dominating boys. You guys are going to be lethal out there on the ice.

[Will Compton]

You play it all. You in the skates. Be in New York.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I love playing hockey, man. I grew up and played until ninth grade and I stopped playing hockey because hockey and basketball were at the same time. And I just thought basketball was a better fit for me. And I kind of like basketball more at that time. But hockey was my favorite sport growing up.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I mean, you're so many dance powers.

[Will Compton]

Yeah. But think about. This guy's a defenseman in hockey.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I was like Chara, but left wing.

[Will Compton]

Do you know who Charlo is?

[Taylor Lewan]

No.

[Will Compton]

That's your wife. Number one. Number two is a Daniel Charo. He was a guy that played for the Boston bruins. He's like 6 7. He's like 611 on skates. This. He was Russian. Right. This Russian cat who just beat the out of people.

[Rob Gronkowski]

It was. He was not from the U.S. i don't know exactly.

[Will Compton]

Yeah, yeah. He was not from here. He wasn't from here. But the guy had like a hundred. I think he did like 110 mile an hour slap shot. Because he used to do that like the All Star Games. They would do all like the little challenges. His slap shot was insane.

[Rob Gronkowski]

This guy literally like 23 years.

[Will Compton]

Yeah.

[Rob Gronkowski]

In the NHL and just would body bag people of all time.

[Will Compton]

Yeah. And that could have been 6, 9.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Could have been grown 6, 9.

[Taylor Lewan]

Were you nice up until you stopped playing?

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah, I was nice. I was nice. If I get on skates now, I'm pretty sloppy because it's been so long and you got to, like, be able to skate all the time in order to keep up with it. But I was nice, man. I only played up a level. I played with all my friends that were older than me. I love playing hockey. It was. It was by far my favorite sport. And I was in Buffalo, too, with all the ice rinks around, it was so good. I one time scored 10 goals in a game when it was. It was house hockey. We were down 10 to 1, and I ended up scoring 10 goals in a row and tied it up and made it 11. 11. And then we ended up losing 12 to 11. That was, I think, squirts.

[Taylor Lewan]

You scored 10 goals.

[Rob Gronkowski]

10 goals. It was ridiculous. It was one of the best performances of all time. I know. It was just. And then another time, there was this. There was this chick. She was. This was travel hockey. There was this chick on the Cheektowaga team, I think it was. And this. This is pretty good story. And she was vicious, she was strong. And she always came after me to try and just deck me. And it was always a joke, all, rob, we're playing the chick, like, don't get leveled. And she came at me, and I absolutely destroyed her. I'm talking, like, she would go flying back like, three feet, but she would get up, and then next shift, she would come full speed and try to deck me. One time she hit me pretty hard. She went flying back still, though. But my helmet broke and my face mask went flying off me. So still to this day, my friends punk me about the time the chick absolutely rocked me and my face mask went flying off me. But then, like, literally, like 10 years later, when I got to the NFL, whatever, eight years later, however long it was, I'm a rookie and she DMS me on Facebook. She's like, hey, Rob, remember, I'm the girl that always attacked you in hockey. And I, like, lost my mind. I was showing all my friends that she. She's writing me messages. It was just. It was just cool.

[Taylor Lewan]

Big respect to her, too. Even though she got Dexter, she tried.

[Will Compton]

To slide in the DMs after. Yeah. Oh, he made it to the league. You're arch rival. She was your angel Reese. And you're. And then all of a sudden, you make it to the league.

[Rob Gronkowski]

She's like, give her a shout out for just having the sack to just come at me.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah, yeah.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Every single.

[Will Compton]

I'm sure you were an absolute unit at this time too. Still. Yeah.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Oh, yeah. I was. No. Back in the day when I was playing hockey. Oh, fearless, Fearless.

[Will Compton]

I played ho. We had a much different story. So I played hockey like when I was like eight or whatever, like mites. And it was right before checking and I House. House got a hat trick. We won it. The next year, peewees were doing like, tryouts for a travel team. And I did not know checking was like, starting right as the whistle's blowing. Some guy who I believe in my head is still to this day, he was six, seven. At eight years old, not. It knocks me down. I got off the ice, I was done. I wanted nothing to do with it. Really wanted nothing to do with it.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Was that the last time you skate?

[Will Compton]

That was the last time. You know they say get back on the horse. No, I went in that locker room, I took my pads off. I retired that day. Dude, I was such a growing up.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Well, then what. What got you into football if you could handle hockey?

[Will Compton]

No idea.

[Rob Gronkowski]

How the did you get into football?

[Will Compton]

I was the kid. I was the kid that was like, tall.

[Taylor Lewan]

He even hated baseball. I think he got hit with the ball.

[Will Compton]

Step.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Was me.

[Will Compton]

Yes, dude. I would step out of the batter's box and like, kind of swing like this. I was one of those kids.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Those were the bats too. Okay. That backs up when the pitch is coming. He backs up three feet and then swings.

[Will Compton]

That was me.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Three feet. Yeah, that was you. Cuz he was so scared.

[Will Compton]

So scared.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Oh, those kids drove me crazy. Yeah.

[Will Compton]

Yeah, that was.

[Rob Gronkowski]

You would have hated.

[Will Compton]

You would have hated my gun. Like.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Like, when did that switch?

[Will Compton]

Probably puberty. Probably, like, yeah, I got a little hair in my sack and I was like, you know what? This physicality thing's not bad. I like, went from doing sports, like, from. To 11, 12, 13. I did my whole, like, X games, like, Meta Militia, Travis Pastrana, Nitro Circuits, Life. And then I got a little bit of trouble. My dad's like, you got to play football? And we went and played football one state my sophomore year at nose tackle. And from then on I was like, yo, I'm obsessed with football. I loved it. Is that the dog?

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah, Ralphie.

[Taylor Lewan]

If people are able to see Ralphie down here, we got. Yeah, we got a little fridge.

[Will Compton]

He's making squirrel noises in the corner over here.

[Rob Gronkowski]

He's a good boy. He's actually been on TV before. He was in a USA commercial with me. So this guy's a superstar.

[Will Compton]

Yeah. You know, this is a superstar. Our interview, who is brought to us by Bud Light. Bald Light is always brew with four simple ingredients for clean Chris taste. Bud Light is the official beer sponsor of the NFL, the NFL Draft, tight end university, the UFC, and Shane Gills's 2025 tour. Bud Light partners include Peyton Manning, Will Compton, George Kittle, Taylor Lawan, Baker Mayfield, Emmett Smith, Shane Gillis, Post Malone, and Dustin poirier. Go to www.bud light.com forward/locator to find something near you. I don't know what the other thing is, though.

[Taylor Lewan]

Easy to drink. Easy to enjoy.

[Will Compton]

Easy to drink. He's enjoyed. That's it.

[Taylor Lewan]

There are some. There's some French bulldog haters on this bus.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Really?

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Who would that be?

[Taylor Lewan]

Sniff them out.

[Rob Gronkowski]

You talking about yourself? No, I have a Frenchie. Yeah. You look like one of those white Frenchies.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah, I got an English bulldog at home. Yeah.

[Rob Gronkowski]

All right. That's like a French bulldog. That's the grandfather.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah. We're part of the bulldog world.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Like I said. Yeah, you do.

[Taylor Lewan]

You look like more of a friend, but go ahead.

[Rob Gronkowski]

English bulldog, that's tough. It's definitely Taylor. You can't.

[Taylor Lewan]

I can't let you guys be talking up.

[Will Compton]

I don't hate Frenchies.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah. You're not opposed to them?

[Will Compton]

I'm a little bit opposed to him.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Really? Oh, so it's him.

[Will Compton]

Yeah, I'm on one.

[Rob Gronkowski]

So this is one of them.

[Will Compton]

Yeah.

[Rob Gronkowski]

You're not a Frenchie guy?

[Will Compton]

I'm not a Frenchie guy. I think he's got a good coat on him. He's got good broad shoulders. Got a nice coat on the boy. Looks good. Got a piece on him, too. My God.

[Rob Gronkowski]

What about these balls that are hanging?

[Will Compton]

I haven't seen those yet. I haven't seen.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Turn around, Ralphie. I mean, right there. His nickname's Ralph Nuts.

[Will Compton]

I'll take a peek later. I don't want to. I don't want to make him uncomfortable, but yeah. Yeah. Good looking dog. I just.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Wow.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah, that's a good boy. Right now, this.

[Will Compton]

This is a tough start to me in this podcast.

[Taylor Lewan]

This is tough start for me, you.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Know, walk off the bus.

[Will Compton]

Don't do that. Not yet.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Bus driver, open up the door. Ralphie and I getting off. We're going for a walk. Yeah, I'm not gonna have to think about this. We need to take a couple deep breaths.

[Will Compton]

Aren't These guys, like made in the lab, like, aren't they like, not.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I know that that is one thing that they say about. I just kind of plug my ears when people start talking.

[Will Compton]

They got a lot of health issues too, right?

[Rob Gronkowski]

A lot of health issues. But this guy, he stays in top shape, but he's pretty healthy. It's crazy, but majority of them, I mean, for how healthy he is, it's still like a full time job just making sure that he's healthy. But you know, you got to keep them active. If you don't keep them active, then that's when all the health problems definitely really start.

[Will Compton]

You put them on the treadmill. They're so in front of them.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Their personalities are through their roof. They're like human beings. They're the best. To be one on one with them, they're. They're just so entertaining and loving.

[Will Compton]

That's awesome, man. I'm happy for you.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Thank you, man. Thank you for being happy for me. As long as you're happy for me, I'm happy.

[Will Compton]

Hey, that's it, brother. That's all I can do.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I won't get off the bus, right? All right, good deal, dude.

[Will Compton]

Let's talk about growing up. So you grew up in Buffalo?

[Rob Gronkowski]

I like Taylor. He ran over.

[Will Compton]

Yeah, he went to go see Bobo.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah.

[Will Compton]

So you, you grew up in Buffalo?

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah.

[Taylor Lewan]

Shout out everything.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I'll give him a shout out, you know.

[Will Compton]

Searching.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I had some, you know, vitamins this morning. Some nad to make sure I'm clear minded. So thank you to irate.

[Will Compton]

Yeah, dial it in, dude. Buffalo. You grew up in Buffalo. How do you head to Tucson, Arizona?

[Rob Gronkowski]

All right.

[Will Compton]

Was it dirt bags?

[Rob Gronkowski]

It wasn't dirt bags, but it should have been dirt bags. Actually. I'd never been to dirt bags before until I actually went to the NFL. And then I was old enough when I came back on a visit after my rookie year. I was 21, so I finally got to go to dirtbags. I didn't hit any bars when I was. No, no, I couldn't.

[Will Compton]

You weren't allowed to.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I, I mean, I, I would admit it, like, no big deal. I didn't hit any bars. When I was at the University of Arizona. It was literally all house parties or going to a frat party or having our own house party or just running around the streets just trying to get into a bar, but not getting into the bar because I was, I was, you know, never of age. But so my brothers were getting recruited out of high school and my brother Chris, who's two Years older than me. Well, first off, my dad's in the business of selling fitness equipment. He's been in the business for 35 years now. And then he became best friends with a guy named Donnie who did the same thing as him that was alumni at the University of Arizona, but sold all his equipment in Arizona. So then, you know, they go on a work trip where Life Fitness brings everyone because they both sell Life Fitness products. And then what is it, like a fitness convention? And then that's where they met and they became best friends. And then when we were all just kids, so the alumni Arizona was like, bring your kids out to Arizona. I know the coaches, I'll get them, you know, I'll try to get them a scholarship, show them the film, bring them out on a trip. Come on, we got to get it done. So I went on a trip with my brother when he was a senior when he went to the University of Arizona. My dad was like, hey, you're up next in line. Like, come on the trip. See what it's all about to get recruited. And then University of Arizona was the very first cool I basically ever seen in my life. And I fell in love with the place. My sophomore year in high school, I was like, this is a college. This is. This is ridiculous. I mean, it's 90 degrees, palm trees. We went by a pool party and like as a sophomore year, you know, in high school you're like, oh my God.

[Taylor Lewan]

Oh, in Arizona.

[Rob Gronkowski]

This is ridiculous.

[Will Compton]

Yeah, those Arizona schools, asu. U of A is nuts.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah, exactly. And then that's how I. That's how I got to University of Arizona. I fell in love with it when I just tagged along with my brother on his recruiting trip. And then they started recruiting me from there after my brother chose to go to the University of Maryland. Then he actually transferred to the University of Arizona and played with me there for two years. And he was a fullback and I was the tight end and we were on the field at the same time for a year, which was just super cool to have, and just ball out with my brother. So that's how I got there. Long story short, were you highly recruited.

[Taylor Lewan]

Coming out of high school?

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah, I was a four star. I was in the Rivals top top 250. I was like the fifth tight end on the board. Hernandez was actually number one.

[Will Compton]

Really?

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah, we were in the same class. He was number one. And then there's a couple in between. I forgot who they were, but they never made it to the NFL, I don't think. But it was, it was, you know, it was, you know, the whole entire recruiting process I went through, it was, you know, enjoyable because my top four, you know, where Ohio State, Clemson, Syracuse and Arizona. And everyone was just so surprised that I, you know, chose Arizona to go all the way out west. But I just fell in love with that place from the very beginning. Love Clemson. Almost went there. That was definitely number two, Ohio State. You know, they were recruiting me. I kind of just took a visit there because it was the Ohio State University. I mean, I could definitely see myself fitting in there. You know, I can. I can see myself being a Buckeye. That's when Jim Trestle was the head coach, too. The facilities were insane as well. And then Syracuse, my dad went to. But the program was just so down low at the time.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah.

[Rob Gronkowski]

And I just kind of wanted to get out of the state of New York. I didn't want to go back to, you know, basically home, where I grew up in Buffalo. So Arizona was just the right.

[Taylor Lewan]

Don't you have a legendary story from your Ohio State visit?

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yes, I do.

[Taylor Lewan]

To where you were, what was it? You were hungover.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I was super hungover. So I was a senior. I moved to Pittsburgh my senior year in high school. So it was an easy trip to go over, you know, to Ohio State when they were recruiting me. And then all my friends for Buffalo, they were all older than me, and some of them went to the Ohio State University. So I took my official visit there and I went out with my friends the night before the game and they showed me around. We actually got in a fight, which wasn't surprising. That was my last time. I basically brought. I used to fight all the time when I was a senior in high school because I was visiting my brothers at the University of Maryland, Maryland. And they were just badass. Him and his roommates, and they would just brawl. Every weekend I would show up and just join just a fight club in.

[Will Compton]

The University of Maryland. Hey, Rob, you want to go get this one in, dude?

[Rob Gronkowski]

We would literally walk from the bar and just try to pick a fight on the way home. Like, I was running into people on purpose. And then next thing you know, it was a five on five brawl. I was getting thrown down a hill. My brother kicked the guy in the face. Yeah. Next thing I know, I look, look up the hill and the guys falling down the hill, that threw me down the hill. But I got in a little fight. It wasn't that big of a fight at the, at the Ohio State. It was just a little, you Know, scuffle and. But we had a good time. And the next morning, went to the game. I think that was Ohio State verse. I forgot who they were playing, but I was hurting.

[Will Compton]

Look at this guy. The guy in the bottom, right?

[Rob Gronkowski]

All the waters that I had. Yeah, all the waters I had.

[Taylor Lewan]

Did Ohio State. State. Did any of the staff know that you had gotten a fight the night before?

[Rob Gronkowski]

No. No. No clue. No clue. It wasn't that big of a fight. It wasn't worth, you know, being in the news either. It wasn't newsworthy.

[Will Compton]

Oh, that water.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I just wasn't really, like, there's no, like, phones back then or Twitter, which was the best time. I'm so glad none of that existed. Like, when I was in college, like, it was an era of, like, the South. The camera phones were just beginning when I was in college. But, like, that absolutely sucks to be a superstar in college right now. And you can't, like, really live a college life. Life because everyone has those camera phones. If you go out, you know, to a house party, you're just gonna be filmed. Like, that's not cool at that age.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah.

[Rob Gronkowski]

You really can't have that true college experience. And I feel like I was that last era to be able to do all the crazy without ever being on, like, a cell phone or being, like, reported to Twitter. Plus, I wasn't as good as, you know, I was in the NFL as I was in college. I was a good player, but it's not like, you know, people knew me like that. I could run around.

[Will Compton]

Yeah, but you chose to leave early, right?

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah, I left early as well.

[Will Compton]

Yeah, but you got to be pretty damn good to be able to enter your name into the draft.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah. Which sucked because I didn't even play my junior year.

[Will Compton]

Really?

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah, which sucked. I was about to ball out, man. I was ready to go my junior year. Nick Foles was our quarterback. We had a solid team. We went 8 and 4 that year. My brother was the fullback as well, so it sucked. I couldn't play with my brother. My friends with Foals, we were balling in the spring game as well. I had, like, eight catches for, like, 100 in the spring game. And that was the first time that we even played together, Foles and I. And then I just blew out my back, bro. I had that microdiscectomy surgery where I think it was just. Just going to ham in college, lifting, doing all the other, you know, extra activities as well. And then I just had major bulging disc, and I just kept going Harder and harder on it. And, like, the harder I went on it, the more numb it would get at that moment. And I was able to go out to practice and lift. And then, like, that night, I wouldn't be able to move. And the next day I would just go hard on it again. Eventually, I blew it out totally. I couldn't even feel my legs anymore when I was 19 years old. And then it sucked because I had to get the surgery that. And then finally I was like, yo, my back's fucked up. And then I even went out to training camp and got open on the in route. Ran so slow, but the. It opened up, the defense opened up, and I caught the pass. Turned around like one mile per hour, and I walked off the field. I was like, yo, I'm fucked. Like. And then we were finally like, all right, let's get an mri. And my back was blown out. The disc was so herniated on the spinal cord, and the. And eventually I got the surgery and missed my junior year, which, you know, if I could go back, that's one thing I would do is if I wish I could replay my junior year and play at the University of Arizona. But I still left early. Still left early, yes.

[Will Compton]

You must have had a good couple of first years then.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I did. What was crazy is my freshman year going In, I had six touchdowns, you know, like 500 something yards. I was balling. But then going into my sophomore year, I was like, I'm ready to dominate. You know, it's kind of like the NFL. You know, you're getting your feet wet. That. I didn't really know the playbook that well. You know, adjusting to life, trying to, you know, do the dumb off the field as well. That was more important.

[Will Compton]

The candle on both ends.

[Rob Gronkowski]

It was. It was really more important to me. I'm not gonna. It was probably just as important as football was to me, was going out and. And acting like an idiot. You know, rookie year in the NFL and freshman year of college. I mean, you can't blame me. 18 years old, 21 years old, @.

[Will Compton]

A place like U of A, too.

[Rob Gronkowski]

And then going in myself, Maria, I'm ready to dominate. I get mono. I get mono somehow. And I'm. And I had to miss the first three games because they said, like, oh, your spleen's blown up. You know, you got to miss. So I missed three games my sophomore year. True. Sophomore year, came back and played like, what is it? You missed three was 12 games in the season, played nine games, had like, 10 touchdowns and balled out. And then we went to the Las Vegas ball, which. Which was my last game. I played at the University of Arizona, and that was the year my brother and I played together. And he had a great game. I only had, like, you know, 20 yards that. That bowl game, but we won. It was the first bowl game that the University of Arizona even went to in 10 years, and we won it. And then that was my last. Last game as a Wildcat. But Overall, I played 16 games in college and had 16 touchdowns as an 18 year old and 19 year old.

[Will Compton]

That is awesome.

[Rob Gronkowski]

So I had enough film to get me, you know, drafted in the second round.

[Will Compton]

When you had the bulging discs and you got the MRI and they're like, you can't even feel your legs, did you think at any point that your career was over? Over?

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah, I sure did. Actually, I went. And actually, I was lucky enough I had an insurance policy. My dad got me an insurance policy going in my junior year because I was, you know, I was kind of highly rated, you know, that I could get drafted that year in, like, the top three rounds. So I had an insurance policy, and I could have cashed out on it, actually, because they were saying I had spinal dinosis. What is it? Spinal.

[Will Compton]

I wouldn't.

[Taylor Lewan]

I wouldn't know.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Spinal. What's that word? Stenosis. I'm saying dinosis. Spinal stenosis. And, like, my spine's curved and. And there's a lot of question marks on my back. And they were like, oh, like the insurance company's like, hey, you can never play football again if you get that policy. And I was like. I was like, that. I'm playing football. That was my ultimate dream. I always wanted to be in the NFL. I'll just work through this. But at some points, trying to come back, because that was my first surgery, like, I couldn't really get that pop back because you lose that pop because the spinal cord is completely shut down. And like, to get that pop, to get that explosiveness back, back. I was training. I left early. I was training for the combine, and right before the combine, I didn't even participate in the combine, because at that time, I didn't even have that pop. Still. Like, I couldn't even broad jump because.

[Will Compton]

You just played high school football, basically, and it went to the NFL.

[Rob Gronkowski]

And then finally, boom, I got it back. And then, you know, I kind of understood the recovery process and all that. And then I. I was finally like, all right, I can play again. I got this. But there was a little point, like, man, I might not ever be able to play again because like, like, you know that you don't. You never been through that experience, you know, so I'm glad I got over that fear and over that stage because everything worked out.

[Taylor Lewan]

You didn't even play your junior year.

[Rob Gronkowski]

No, not one. Not one snap.

[Taylor Lewan]

You know, the last game of him officially like as a. As a Wildcat Nebraska Las Vegas Bowl.

[Rob Gronkowski]

No, that was the year I didn't play, brother. Was that first you. Were you on that team?

[Taylor Lewan]

I was a freshman.

[Rob Gronkowski]

You were a freshman. So that was the year I didn't play.

[Taylor Lewan]

That was a Holiday Bowl.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Right, The Holiday Bowl. We got smacked by you guys. You had no. Got the Dominican SU at the time. He went what, number two overall that year. But that was a year I got hurt. And if I didn't get hurt, we would have waxed your ass, brother.

[Taylor Lewan]

I think we actually.

[Rob Gronkowski]

We would have been in the Rose Bowl.

[Will Compton]

Yeah, dude.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Oh, that's.

[Taylor Lewan]

That was nothing. Yeah, 33 to nothing. I was chilling.

[Will Compton]

Chilling?

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah, you guys were chilling when you're.

[Taylor Lewan]

I mean, I was chilling because I was young.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah, you were. Richard swamped us. Do what?

[Will Compton]

You're a red shirt.

[Taylor Lewan]

This was my freshman redshirt year.

[Will Compton]

Got you.

[Taylor Lewan]

Not my retro. Not my retro year, but my second year.

[Will Compton]

Yeah, your retro freshman year.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah. Yeah, dude, that was bad. We got whomped. I was there, though. I was there. I didn't play that whole year, man. It sucked. It sucks not playing, dude. Yeah, yeah.

[Will Compton]

You just stand there on the sideline.

[Taylor Lewan]

It's fast.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I was, I was standing on.

[Will Compton]

Just brutal.

[Taylor Lewan]

It's fascinating to me that he got drafted in the second round and he only played 16 games in college and he had back surgery and had all these. These question marks about it. He's been going up to the combine.

[Will Compton]

Yeah.

[Taylor Lewan]

Like in the pre draft process.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Didn't even participate at the combine. I did. The bench press got 23.

[Will Compton]

Ryan Reynolds here from Mint Mobile with a message for everyone paying big wireless way too much. Please, for the love of everything good in this world, stop with Mint. You can get premium wireless for just 15amonth. Of course, if you enjoy overpaying. No judgments. But that's weird. Okay, one judgment anyway. Give it a try. @mintmobile.com Switch upfront payment of 45 for 3 month plan equivalent to 15 per month. Required intro rate first 3 months only, then full price plan options available, taxes and fees extra. See full [e-mail] did you fall asleep in a.

[Taylor Lewan]

In a draft interview?

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yes, with the Patriots With Bill. Bill, yeah. Bill told this story plenty of times. This story's been talked about plenty. But I was so tired, man, because, you know, that draft process, I think it's the stupidest process as well. Like, you go from team to team. It's like you're on 15 flights in, like, 15 days, getting interviewed by all these teams. And the Patriots were my last one. And I was exhausted. I fell asleep, like, the first 10 minutes I got there in the room that they put me in there. Okay, we'll be right back. And I fell asleep on the spot when they came back in to check on me. And then I also bombed the interview process, but, like, bombed it in the best way possible.

[Will Compton]

Something in the best way possible.

[Rob Gronkowski]

All right. Like, for example, they drew a play on the board. Billy. And he's. And then he raced it. He's like, draw the play. What. What you got? What does everyone have? And it was one of the hardest plays. It's still a route that I still don't even understand. Old pack. It's like the receiver goes up, then down, back, like a comeback, and then he goes. Takes off again, and he makes another comeback. Something, you know, way above.

[Will Compton]

Sounds like the longest progressing play of all time.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Way above my, you know, my skill set. I don't run routes like that. I don't stop, go, stop. It's too big to stop and go. So he's like, redraw the whole play. And I was like, brother, like, I'm. I'm stuck. Like, I. I like, ground zero. I'm at, like. And I was like, you know something, though? Just throw me the ball still. And like. Like. Like, I was like, that. Like, that type of interview.

[Taylor Lewan]

Like, you just say this above.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I'm so bomb that I would just come up with an insane answer like that.

[Will Compton]

Yeah, just throw me the ball still.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah, that's all I know.

[Will Compton]

Were you ever, like, nervous for these coaches because to have that kind of, hey, just throw me the ball anyway, it just screams confidence. Confidence.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I was never really nervous because are.

[Taylor Lewan]

You standing up at the whiteboard with the marker in hand, trying to think, like, what was the play, Drew? And then you're just like, hey, you.

[Will Compton]

Got a double comeback. He's just talking about, like, I'm gonna be honest.

[Taylor Lewan]

I don't remember. But, yeah, just throw me the ball.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I was cashed out, though. It was like, my 15th visit in, like, the last 15 days. I was cashed out.

[Will Compton]

And what were you. You said you had 15 visits. Of all the visits. Like, which one did Go. The best.

[Rob Gronkowski]

It was probably about like eight visits or so. Fifteen was a little exaggerated. That's like eight, but it's 15, including the combine. Yeah. You know, met with 15 teams there. But, you know, I felt like they all went really smooth. You know, I was on point with them all. You know, the Cincinnati Bengals one. I was, I really wanted to be on point because we all knew that they were going to draft a tight end first round. And then they took Jermaine Gresham. But they were interviewing me like crazy. Now they had the 21st pick. I felt like I, I, I smacked everything right on the money with all the questions. My interviews at the combine, I felt like I did a great job and everything, but just overall, just bomb. The New England Patriots. One, like, bombed it, like, in the worst way possible. Like I said, like, I, I like when Billy O. And Bill describe how the, how the official visit.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Or it's not the official visit. That's in high school, how the interview visit went. But, you know, and also at the time, like, there was so many players getting in trouble in the NFL. And I remember I called my brother, I, like, was like this, I'm going to act like a complete idiot. I feel like it get gets you, like, more chances, you know, because there was like, five guys that were just arrested, then they were signing big deals in the NFL.

[Will Compton]

Yeah.

[Rob Gronkowski]

They're like, oh, that's a good way to think about it and look at it. Yeah. Use that theory, Rob. Go. And I did. And it worked. It worked. Pacman Jones was getting arrested all the time.

[Will Compton]

Yeah, man. It was a crazy time.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah. And then he signed a big deal, and I was like, yeah. I was like, if you freaking act like a insane, you're gonna get picked up. So it's crazy. I went into the interview process like that, and it worked.

[Will Compton]

That is work, because you got to.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Be, you got to be nuts. You got to be tapped in order to play in the NFL as well.

[Will Compton]

I think it depends on the position. Depends on the position, yes. Like, if you're a D end, a tight end, like, wide receivers and corners, they have their own, like, cocky personalities or stereotypical cocky personalities. Quarterbacks, I feel like, have to be composed, calm, confident individuals. But yeah, like the psychotic tight end. Yeah, the psychotic tight end is. You made a name for the, for the brand. You, you walked so the George Kittles could run because you got a whole bunch of different guys now crushing.

[Taylor Lewan]

He's got paid big time again.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah. What is he, 31? 32? He's got paid. That is the highest tight end. He's 31 years old, man. Yeah, 31. Getting paid like that. Well deserved. He's got a lot left, no doubt.

[Will Compton]

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[Rob Gronkowski]

No, I was upset. It's. My mom says that there's two times in my life that she's ever seen me upset. I forgot the second time we got to give her a call. If she told me, I would remember. Like, it would be like that. But she's in. That other time was not getting drafted in the first round while I was at the draft in New York City.

[Will Compton]

Did you have all the cameras around you and everything?

[Rob Gronkowski]

Not really. You know, it wasn't really expected for me to go in the first round. It was the first time. I like to say this. I was infamously, you know, drafted as the first player going to New York as the first player getting drafted at the draft in the second round. So that's how, how I look at it as I started that trend, if you go to the draft, it's fine that you get drafted in the second round still. Yeah, I was the first player to that, to ever have that happen to. But there was also other ones after me as well that year that got drafted in the second and third round. But I, you know, I was ticked off. I felt like I deserved to go in the first. That was always a goal of mine. But after I got picked by the New England Patriots in the second round and they traded up for me, I thought that was really cool. Getting traded up for, like, you know, it's unique and like, you feel special about that situation. But. But once I got drafted, man, I didn't care one single bit anymore that, you know, I wasn't a first rounder. It was, it was a blessing it was one of the best feelings of all time that, you know, could ever happen to you.

[Taylor Lewan]

Knowing that the expectation wasn't necessarily for you to go in the first round. What made you decide to still go to, like, New York and be potentially around the cameras and everything when it's. It's a possibility that you might not go in the first round?

[Rob Gronkowski]

Well, I didn't really look at it as like, oh, I gotta be a first rounder, because they draft, they. They actually brought in a lot of other players as well that were expected to go in the second round. So it wasn't like I was going to, you know, feel uncomfortable there.

[Taylor Lewan]

Got you.

[Rob Gronkowski]

So there was like five other players that didn't get drafted yet, and it was its first year. Like, hey, we want first rounders and second rounders at the draft. We want to expand it. We want to show the inside, you know, for both rounds, not just the top 10 picks. So they expanded how many players they invited to the draft. And it was about like 25 guys there. So, like 25 guys aren't going in the first round. That's too hard to be able to balance that, to know who's going where there. So I didn't care. I thought it was cool. And being, you know, 20 years old, you know, you look for the spotlight then, you know, and whenever you get an invite, you take it. You know, at that age now these days, you pick and choose like, oh, I gotta go do that in front of the camera. You're like, ah, whatever, you know. But when you're 20 years old, you love all those moments. You're never saying no at 20 years old. So I was definitely not gonna say no to that situation. And, you know, being at the draft, draft, you know that as a kid, that's all you look forward to, you know, watching all the players get drafted, like, that could be me. I just got the invite, you know, I was not gonna.

[Will Compton]

Guys standing up there holding the jersey, shaking Goodell's hand.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Exactly.

[Will Compton]

That's badass.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah, it is.

[Will Compton]

It's awesome.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Really is.

[Will Compton]

Did you. Do you plan the celebration that you do with your family? Because it is. It's got to be number one.

[Rob Gronkowski]

It is epic. You know, it's still talked about to this day, definitely, but that's just how we were, you know. You know, that's how we party that the University of Arizona, we gather around, hoorah, jump up and down, get rowdy, all that good stuff. And whenever we get together as a family, it was just bringing all the energy and juice to the table. So we knew we're going to be celebrating, but not to the extent of, like, putting the helmets on, putting my hand down versus my brother, you know, getting in a circle and who ing all over the place. So that was just on the spot right there.

[Will Compton]

That's so awesome, dude.

[Rob Gronkowski]

It was good, man.

[Taylor Lewan]

You talked about comparing, like, saying that you're off the field, life was just as important to you as on the field. Was that. How long did that carry into your NFL career?

[Rob Gronkowski]

Career? I would say just a couple years. I mean, I started realizing that football, you know, is definitely number one in my life and that football, you know, needs to be number one. Like, I can't be putting football aside. I can't be putting the training aside just because I want to go out, hang out with the friends, be busing with the boys at, you know, at whatever college I'm visiting my buddies at. Because I left college early. So after my rookie year, all my friends were still in college, you know, so I'm visiting Miami, Ohio, which. Oh, my gosh, going out there. That place is crazy rocking, bro. I got my jersey up at Brick street still. I mean, I'm a legend there. I'm visiting pool parties. Look at those pictures. So I'm going ham. At least I'm going so ham. I was getting exercise while I was going ham. I was staying in shape. I was burning at least a thousand to two thousand calories, just dancing the three, four hour period of going out. But I realized that football has to be number one, though. I mean, and football is going to sustain that, you know, the extra activities as well. And so if I keep the football, you know, activities and football, you know, skills at the highest level, everything else is always going to be there. I learned that about two, three years until we.

[Taylor Lewan]

What made you come to this realization? Was it a conversation with the teammate?

[Rob Gronkowski]

Just family member through experience.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Of showing up to football and. And being deteriorated and sucking.

[Will Compton]

Yeah, yeah.

[Rob Gronkowski]

And. And being out of shape and wanting to puke and feeling like every single one of your muscles are gonna spasm out there on the field or pull and like. Yeah, it's like miserable. And you're like, yeah, I shouldn't be out here right now. And you got to work your way through it because you got to show that, you know, you're doing the proper things, you know?

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah. But when. When you hit, you know, real life, when you hit that realization on the field of. Of it's not going well, you know, that's when you Know, you got to tune things up and you got to change whatever, whatever you're doing. I mean, I'm sure you experienced that before at least once or twice.

[Taylor Lewan]

The realization that football has to be the main thing.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah.

[Taylor Lewan]

Oh, absolutely.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Everyone has.

[Taylor Lewan]

Pretty young for me, because I, you know, the hearing about the stories that you have, I just, I think in my head, like, I don't know how I would function as an athlete in college if I, like, my nightlife was just right there. I put as much into my nightlife as I did football. So I feel like it just wouldn't. I don't know, I feel like genetically it wasn't. It wouldn't have worked for me.

[Will Compton]

Yeah, but hearing the way you talk about it, it sounds like you were like, practicing, and then after practice you're like, okay, what are we gonna do tonight? And for me, like, I partied a lot in college in my first couple years in the NFL, but it was always to me, like, I'd ask, like, in my brain, I'd be like, I'm not gonna go out this weekend. Then accidentally, all of a sudden, I'd be. It'd be 2am on a Saturday and I'd be up at Losers or Rick's American Cafe in Ann Arbor. It seemed like you were like, I'm gonna do this. I'm gonna work really hard at football so I can go party and get the most out of that.

[Rob Gronkowski]

There we go. That's exactly how it went. No doubt about it. And also going out in the partying, it wasn't, you know, throughout the week, it was only one night a week, or maybe possibly two nights a week during the off season. It wasn't an everyday thing. If it was an every night thing, that. And I would definitely never be where I am right now. So I always put that work in too. And then sometimes we're in the weight room and we would work harder, we would be pushing each other harder because we'd be like, hey, you gotta look Jack tonight. You know, you gotta look Jack.

[Will Compton]

Yeah.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Extra, you know, 20 crunches, extra minute on the plank, you know, extra set of the bench press. So that motivated you. That got you to where you needed to get to, because then you felt like you deserved to go out that night too. So, you know, it was always in back of the mind. But it wasn't like, you know, a daily thing. If it was a daily thing. I've seen players go through the daily thing where they're going out, you know, throughout the week too. And I always knew Too. As a kid, even in college, I'm like, no, I ain't touching that during the week. I ain't going out during the week. I need my sleep. You know, I need. I need to go to classes, obviously, I need to be ready for practice. And then I always actually did it when I always knew I had basically had off the next day as well. Yeah, sometimes in the younger generation era, you know, you would do it with practice still the next day at like 10am or 11, and you would just fight your, you know, fight your life. But majority of the time, I would know I would have off next day as well to recover, rehydrate and all the good stuff. So I was. I did all the. All the stupid, the smartest way possible.

[Will Compton]

I feel that.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah, you grinded through it. Even in workout, it's like, if I would be hungover, like, I remember a couple times where I'd be hungover. Or you try to have a late night night and you work out the next day. And when I felt like I was on the verge of throwing up or my body feeling the way it did, it'd be like when you're on a knee listening to your coach talk, and I'm just thinking in my head, I got it. I can't do this. Yeah, I can't, like, continue. I can't.

[Rob Gronkowski]

That's.

[Will Compton]

Yeah, that's always the second guess. Because when you go out, you're like, this is gonna be awesome. And then when you're peak drunk, you're like, I'm gonna power through tomorrow. I'm gonna absolutely crush it. And the minute you get wake up the next day, you're like, I can never do that again. But then it goes like, it's Monday. You're like, I'm not drinking. I'm living my life like a saint. Now Tuesday comes by, you're like, just a good old boy. Wednesday, it's like, you know, Friday is right around the corner, and it is a lot of fun. Thursday is like, all right, one more weekend. And then we're solid. And then all of a sudden, it's Friday, Saturday, and then Sunday, you're like.

[Rob Gronkowski]

All right, you just hit that timeline perfectly, dude.

[Will Compton]

Because that's what it is. You always have, like, the Sunday scares. You're like, you've rethought your entire life. And you're like, this is it. This is the day I change who I really am. And then by Friday, you're back to being the same person over and over again. I can't imagine that first off season you had after your first year in the NFL. NFL. Because they. Because in college, it's like back when you played, it was. You have like a week off at most, right? Two weeks if you don't make a bowl game.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Well, the best thing about it, too, was it was the lockout. So we weren't even allowed to have an off season that year. So I had a true six months of just doing whatever I wanted to do.

[Will Compton]

So I was his pants.

[Rob Gronkowski]

He really was. And that's when, like, kind of like videos were starting to surface on the Internet of me. I was back at the University of Arizona with the basketball players at a pool party, just going ape. I was visiting my friends, like you said in college, Miami, Ohio. I got to bring that place up again. I'm telling you. Spectacular place. If you're a young buck. Just the atmosphere that's presented there is just phenomenal and just everything else. I learned what Vegas was that year as well after my rookie year.

[Will Compton]

But this is like, I never had the biggest one.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I never had the responsibility of going back and training, you know, up in New England, because we were locked out. We weren't allowed back there for the whole six months. And then I ended up though, showing up and absolutely balling and training kids camp and having my breakout season where I scored, like, 21 touchdowns, including the playoffs, and, like, broke every record as a tight end. So I guess I can contribute it to all my dancing and all my partying, because I was moving. I'm talking my stamina was up there. I was staying loose, you know, just jiggling everything on my body, just every type of motion you could possibly think of. Twerking to the extreme powers it, like, I swear that's what got me through. Through was just non stop movement. You know, you do the lifting. You know, they say you got to have that base, like, you know, foundation, the foundation of, like, your core of. Of being loose. Flexibility and stamina of the little muscles firing. And that's what got me the, you know, keep everything firing at a proper rate. Was all the dancing and all the movements, throwing your friends up in the air on top of lifting as well. Right. I swear, though, I swear, I mean, I don't really do that, really. I like, try to go out and, like, I dance for, like five minutes, and I'm like, how the. Was I dancing for three hours straight? Like, I can dance for five minutes now. I'm like, all right, like, I can't dance any longer anymore.

[Will Compton]

When did you realize that your Party. And your antics could become, like, a massive brand because now you have, like, Gronk beach, your brother, you and your brothers. You did the cruise, like, so you have. You have so many things that are revolved around a lot of things that used to get you in trouble. When did that transition happen where you're like, oh, I can actually make money doing this?

[Rob Gronkowski]

You know, it kind of just happened naturally as well. It wasn't like I was doing it as, like, a scheme or. Or a play or, you know, to get, like, notoriety. Yeah, Notoriety from it. Not at all, man. I was just being myself. What. What I've been doing since, you know, my college days and going into the NFL wasn't like, you know, anything was planned ever. I was just doing me. And then it just kept blowing up sometimes. And that's why I just kept doing me, because I'm like, I'm just doing me. Like, I'm not doing anything wrong. I'm just having fun, you know? And then I really noticed a couple years into it, like, all right, like, this is starting to become something, because wherever I went, people expected it, you know, and it was cool. It was cool as shit. It was like, all right, I'm going out. It's going to be so turned up. You have the energy when you're in the 20s as well, to turn up the whole entire place, get on the bar, give everyone shots, all that good, good stuff. And I noticed that, you know, it could possibly be a brand. Like, it's working. Even though I'm just being myself, it's working. It's blowing up. You know, at the same time, though, I always knew that balling on the field was what the real accelerator was, was what the engine was, was balling on the field. Because you're like, this guy's absolutely balling on the field, but he's going out with all the fans as well and just having a good time and going ham. And then, you know, eventually, though, I kind of got over that kind of stigma, you know, because it was hard, you know, in your mid-20s, easily, with the energy to keep up with it. But when I was starting to fade on the football field, that was becoming hard off the field, too, because I was starting to back away from it big time, because football was, you know, starting to get away from me, and I didn't want football to get away from me. So I knew I had to start changing my lifestyle big time. So I would start picking and choosing when I'm going out, how much I'm going out. Then and all that good stuff because I, I wanted, you know, to be on top of my game for football. And now to this day, you know, it is a brand, you know, like a party brand. It really is. But I'm not even close to partying how I was partying back in the day. That 20 year old me, you know, got that brand to sustain all the way to this day. That's how ham I was going though back then. Yeah. And that's how much I was balling on the fish field. So, you know, it's cool. Like throwing Gronk Beach, I just pick and choose. Now, like Gronk Beach, I'll go ham. But not like how I used to, you know, I don't want to drink as much as I used to either. It's, it's not good for you. It is poison, you know, I can't work out the next day. It takes three days to recover. I'm really into health, you know, now and fitness. Obviously I've been my whole life, but just I'm always in for a good time. But I'm more of the guy now, you know, that likes to look like lay back and, and watch what's going on and join a little bit of the action but, you know, not go too crazy.

[Taylor Lewan]

Not like your young self.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah.

[Taylor Lewan]

What were the, what were like the coaching moments like with somebody like Bill Belichick? You talked about how like the Patriot way, how strict he was, how meetings could run like in the early days before it becomes a brand. Are there any moments you're having in the facility with Coach Belichick before it like becomes a distraction or hey, your brand or being more than the team, was there like a transition there? Because obviously when you become Gronk and you're the man, you guys are winning Super Bowls. It's a lot more accepted because, you know, you're the man the Patriots are. You guys are winning football games. But in the early years, when you're coming back and these videos are surfacing, is there anything happening in team meetings with Coach Bill?

[Rob Gronkowski]

Here's the thing. I always knew if I showed up and ball, I would be in good hands. Still, I'd be in good faith with the coaching staffing. Coach Belichick let a lot of things go. If you were balling on the field, he didn't care. If you were out all night and showing up up as long as you produce on that football field, he let everything go. It was fine. But the second you started dropping off, oh, you didn't want to be there. You didn't want to be in that meeting. You're getting called out. You're going to have a one on one meeting, like, hey, like, what the fuck are you doing? I see you out. Like you can't even, you know, come out to practice and get open versus our undrafted free agent. Like, so he would let you know. And he would eventually let you know in front of the team too. He would call you out. So that's why, like, you always had to be on point when you entered that facility. And that's why I believe that going to that destination, you know, kept me on the grind too. Like, yeah, the nightlife and whatever you were doing outside of football. But the second you stepped in that building, like you had that motivation and that grind, like, oh, like I gotta absolutely dominate because I was out. Everyone saw it. And if I don't produce on this field, oh, fuck, it's gonna be a bad day for me. So. So that kind of got you to that level mindset like that you got a ball.

[Taylor Lewan]

Did you ever have a moment with Bill where he had to check you in a one on one or a team meeting?

[Rob Gronkowski]

Not really. So Julian and I, we went out Memorial Day weekend to Narragansett. No, not Narragansett. Nantucket. Narragansett's in Rhode Island. We went out to Nantucket for Fogawi weekend. We got absolutely, you know, hammered. We were on a golf cart. We were in the back, Julian and I doing our thing. And the golf cart lifted up in the air, the front tires, and we landed on the ground. And it was a video that surfaced the Internet. And it was classic. And I remember the next day or three days later, we go to whatever OTAs, running routes and Bill came up to us and we were sweating all over. Please get all that out of your system. I saw you two idiots this weekend. You guys are fools. Keep running. Get it all out of you. So we were balling though. We were out there. But coach always got you to that mindset. Hungover, not feeling so good when you hit that field. That just the aura in New England that got you to that mindset of whatever is in your system. However you feel, get. Yeah, you better not feel that way. It's gonna get. It's gonna get you over it. Yeah, when you hit that field, you.

[Will Compton]

Talk about the aura right there.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Is that it? Is that the golf cart? Yeah, right there. There. There we are. Oh, the back of the golf cart broke. That's not good. This is like two months before the Season.

[Will Compton]

Is it really?

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah, But Justin Timberlake loved it because that was the same night that we were. Yeah, right there. We were dancing to a song. This is the same night we were dancing to his song, Gotta Feel it. What is it?

[Will Compton]

Gotta feeling.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah, Got a feeling.

[Will Compton]

That said.

[Rob Gronkowski]

And we were rocking out. And then he tweeted that. The same night that is ladies, the gronk in a Playboy. So shout out to Justin Timberlake. That's what I knew. All right, I gotta keep going. Yeah, well, you see those dance moves? Now you see why I was getting over. Yeah, you're staying loose. Look at shimming all over the place.

[Will Compton]

Look at that. What is it? The shuffle. You got something going there for sure.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Shimming the gronk. Shimmy.

[Will Compton]

You talk about the aura of. Of New England those first couple of years, like. Like, what was it like for you? Picking up the playbook, understanding everything and knowing, like, what Tom wanted. Like, how demanding was Tom on you when it came to the playbook and.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Stuff like that, bro, that's why I didn't play, like, my first eight games, because I didn't really know the playbook like, that. I had the skills, I had the talent, you know, but they didn't trust me. I even had some great, you know, highlights in the preseason that year. I had, like, three touchdowns, dragged Lauren Nitus into the end zone. You, like, I showed some talent. Like, I showed some birthday. I showed, like, what the type of player I could be. But then, like, practice would come still, and I would be up tremendously. Like, I would have five great plays, and I would have five terrible plays. I'd be blocking the wrong guy, I'd be running the wrong route. And when you're at that level, no matter how good you are, if they can't trust in you doing the right thing, well, you're not going to play in New England. They don't give a fuck how good you are. They're not going to play you. And they let me know that. And the first eight games, I only had about 15 to 20 snaps per game I was playing. And it would only be the true plays that they would trust in me. They say, hey, here's the 20 plays that, you know, we trust in you. With these 20 plays. We'll call you in personnel when we're going to call these plays. I do, like 20 plays a game. And then all of a sudden I'm. I'm balling, though. I'm still showing that potential, you know, and they're like, you, we're not Putting you out on that field until, like, we can truly trust in you. Same with Tom. You know, coaching staff, Billy O. Bill. And then finally, like, I was struggling because the playbook was totally different from college. At college, I lined up on the right every single play. I had, like, five routes. You know, we had like five blocking plays, run place, and kaboom. Like, I learned the playbook in one day. I mean, you get to New England, you got a playbook like that. You got 55 different formations. I got a line up in the left. I got a line up in slot. There's 50 different calls in the run game. I'm like, 50 different calls in the run game. Arizona, we had five different run calls, you know. Yeah. So I couldn't get up the pace. And then finally, like, week eight, week nine, all of a sudden, just everything clicked. You know that feeling when you're like, okay, I got this. I know everything in the playbook. Not everything, but like, I. I know enough now. And then I was showing them on the practice field, like, hey, I'm consistent now. I'm balling like I'm doing the right things. And then a play, you know, I talked about plenty of times. There was. There was a play versus Chicago Bears versus Erlacher that I had to body him up. And I did it in practice on Friday. And they're like, we're going to call this play, and you got. You better be ready for it. And then it was Vers Erlach. I had to, you know, get big on him in the end zone, one yard into the. Into the end zone, turn on him, use my body, and then, boom, there's the ball. Did it in practice. Replicate it in the game. Game versus Erlacher. Box. Box him out, Tom. Put the ball right there, and I caught it. And ever since then, the trust just went through the roof. And I played every single play after that. So the playbook, you know, to you rookies out there, get in the playbook. That's the first thing. It doesn't matter how good you are if you don't know the plays. If you're thinking on the field, you're not going to play. You're not going to be the best player that you can possibly be. So get in the playbook book and know those plays right from the beginning.

[Taylor Lewan]

What was Tom Brady like through these growing pains your rookie year?

[Rob Gronkowski]

He was an asshole my rookie year, he really was. He was like Mr. Bill Belichick's son at that time. I swear, he was Mr. Patriot at that Time, but. And he was on my ass, though. But, you know, I see why, though. You know, I. I really see why he saw the potential in me, too. I remember one time I ran a flag route, and he always wanted me to go outside of the defensive and, like, I didn't have the fluidity to get outside of him when he was like, two yards outside of me and try to get open. So I always try to go right inside of him, make a little move and try to get open the flag route, even though he's playing outside and he's like, I'm never going to throw you the ball. Actually, I'm never throwing you the ball ever again. He said that in meeting room after I went. I went inside on the flag, but he told me five times already to get outside, at least show that I'm trying to get outside, but I'm like, it was too hard for me at that time. Like, I couldn't comprehend it, you know, the way that my body was moving. I just couldn't do it. And then after he said that, then that kind of clicked in me, too. Like, oh, fuck. I got to really try to show him that I'm getting outside and just. Just to have a quarterback to be that hard on you at the beginning, though, as a young buck, you know, it can definitely deteriorate you a little bit. But he saw all that potential because then right after he would say something like that, he'd be like, yo, stay after me with practice. Let's fucking. Let's. Let's run this route 20 times. Let's get you on the same PA. You have to finally click. I'm going to keep going until you click. So he was really, really hard on me, but I see why, and I respect it to the highest tee. And I'm so glad that he was that hard on me as well, because we would have never gotten to the page and the chemistry that we were at if he wasn't that hard on me. And that's what makes him probably, you know, well, the greatest player of all time. Because it wasn't his skill set, you know, it wasn't his ability to do, you know, what he does on the football field. It was. It was also the ability to bring the best out of his teammates around.

[Will Compton]

We interrupt this episode to bring you neutral. Have you ever tried neutral? If not, boys, you are missing out. Neutral is so much better than any other seltzer I have ever tried. It's made with real vodka and real juice. That's what makes it delicious. Neutral Comes in a variety of flavors. They got pineapple, watermelon, and my personal favorite at this very moment is strawberry. Neutral is a perfect drink when you're hanging with friends, and it is such a crowd pleaser. Summer right around the corner. Owner. We're about to heat. We're about to hit peak grilling months. Enjoy it. Neutral. Keep it tasty. Big hugs, tiny cases. Let's get back to this episode with. With Tom, it seems like his two main guys throughout his career were, like, you and Edelman or just, like, kind of like his core guys all the time. At what point did you feel like, all right, I'm really in Tom's pack? Because a guy like that, of that superstardom, Dayton models marrying the models. Like, he seems like he's, like, one of the first guys in the NFL to be, like, above the NFL. And for you to be, like, in that group with him, was there, like, a moment where you're like, okay, I'm. I know. I'm Tom's guy now?

[Rob Gronkowski]

Kind of that moment. You know, my rookie year, you know, I felt like I got in the pack, like, after that play versus Erlach, but I wasn't truly in it yet. You know, we had Wes Welker as well. I mean, Randy Moss, you know, just got traded in my rookie year, so he was in that pack as well. Dion Branch got traded back, like, he was in that pack. Even though he left for a little bit with the Seahawks Bucks, we had a couple other players as well that I could see that he truly trusted and that he truly looked to. And I would say I truly entered. That was my second year when I blossom, and that was my absolute goal as well. We talked about, yeah, having that lockout, but in me going ham for six months straight, but also in back of my mind, football was always there, and I always wanted to be the greatest. And I remember calling my agent, Drew Rosenhouse. I said, I'm gonna be the greatest tight end this season. Watch. And he's like, oh, okay. I mean, he's like, you got Antonio Gage. You got Jason Wayne. I'm like, no, I'm telling you, I'm gonna be the greatest tight end this year. And, like, I had that as a mindset, and I'm gonna be on the same page as Brady. I get what he wants now. And then, going into that training camp, everything was just clicking, and I entered that pack of that trust because I get that trust from Brady and the coaching staff. You have to be a consistent player. I don't care. You can show a burst of going deep and making an amazing play. But if you can do that one out of every 10, I mean, you're not in that pack, you're not going to have that trust. So I showed that trust going into my second year, and then that's when it just all truly started clicking. And. And it lasted for 10 more years straight.

[Taylor Lewan]

How did that. Was it always respect from Tom when he's hard on you in those moments, like your rookie year year, are you thinking like, yo, this dude's a. I thought he was. To where you're kind of resistant to, like, hey, let's stay after practice and do 20 reps. And you're just like, man, all right.

[Rob Gronkowski]

No, I thought he was an for sure at first. You know, he. I'm telling you, he was Mr. Patriot my rookie year. Like. Like, he was. He was Bill 2.0. I swear. Like, I'm like, man, this guy's zero fun. Zero. Zero. Like, but. But I kind of understood it at the same time. Not to the full extent, you know.

[Taylor Lewan]

But once you're in the C, like, once you're in, you're growing, you're progressing, you're getting better, you're thinking, all right, this is the. This is where I need to kind of buy.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yes. And then once I bought into, he loosened up as well. Like, he just wanted me to buy in and get rid of all that that was going on on the outside or. Or me not paying attention in the meetings or me not doing what I need to do out in the football field. Because he saw it in me. Like, he sees. He sees potential in players. He knows players inside and out. Like, he can watch film time. He can break down a player's strength. He can break down their weakness. He can break down how to get open versus what you got to do. He can even break down a defensive lineman like, and know their strengths and how to block a defensive lineman. He knows the game of football like that. And that's what makes. Made him so great, obviously. So he knew what I needed to do out on the football field. And when I started finally doing it, when it started clicking to me, me. And I was starting to truly understand that's when that relationship really blossomed. And he, you know, he was less hard on me. I mean, still to this day, he's hard on his players. I mean, even once you get that relationship going because he wants that relationship to keep building, you know, but it wasn't like my rookie year, you know, rookie year was tough at some points, but I saw why. And, and I'm, I'm so blessed and I'm so thankful that he was like that. I needed it, put it that way, I needed that.

[Taylor Lewan]

How hard was were they on Julian Edelman? I just listened to Bill Belichick on the pivot and it seems like they were extremely harder. Coach Belichick was extremely hard on Julian when he got to New England.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Well, he was a year before me, so I didn't really see his work here like that.

[Will Compton]

That dog has had sleep apnea.

[Rob Gronkowski]

It's a good boy though. He knows we're working. He knows we're working.

[Taylor Lewan]

He feels safe.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah, he feels safe. He's just relaxing. That's a good boy right there, there so. But later on if we keep going, he'll eventually let us know, like, hey, hey humans, hey humans, it's my turn, throw me the ball. But he's a good boy. But Julian was absolute dog and they loved getting under his skin. If you got under Julian skin, it brought the best out of him. And I would say same with myself, you know. And that's why they were hired on players there. Coach Belichick knew how to get in play into players minds, even if it was in the most asshole way. You know, that's why we respect it so much and we appreciate it, you know, to this day. Because he was really trying to make you the best fucking player that you could possibly be. And he was trying to bring the best out of you. And he sure did it. Even though whatever way he was doing it, you know, it could have been vicious, you know, it could have been like, yo, I'm about to trade you. Like he could have just been making it up and then you would go absolutely absolute balls, you know, out on the practice field and in game. So he knew how to bring the best out of players, especially the ones that he knew wanted it. And Julian was a guy that wanted it and he brought the best out of Julian and whatever techniques he was doing to get under Julian's skin.

[Will Compton]

Did you. I mean, obviously receiving wise, that's where you get paid. It's probably the most fun for you. But from a blocking standpoint, you see so many clips of you like throwing a chipbox on a trail Suggs and like sending them into the bleachers. That kid, the safety from the Colts on the goal line, sending him all the way to the, to the sideline, stuff like that, telling him no white T shirts in the club. Where did the mindset come with the blocking? Was it always really important to You. Or did you learn early, like, this is how you become like a complete tight end?

[Rob Gronkowski]

No, it was always important to me. Ever since my high school days playing football. I always just took pride in the blocking game. I really did. I remember in high school, it was before, like, all the blindside blocks, you know, got banned, which is a good thing. You know what I'm talking? Those crack. Yeah, crack back blocks. You took more pride in high school when you absolutely leveled someone than, say, scoring a touchdown. I'm talking the touchdown was cool. You celebrate. But the whole sideline would go absolutely bonkers if you took someone up and just planted them on the ground or you blindsided someone and just flat blacked them and basically put them in the hospital. So that mindset was always there to just be the biggest dog. Dog. To be the, you know, to be the strongest dog out on the field and to be tossing people around. Tossing people around felt like the manly thing to be in the game of football. Yeah, catching touchdowns was cool. That came with it. But that wasn't what you wanted to showcase. It was, how far can you take someone and just embarrass them and just show them who the fuck is boss? So that started, you know, in high school. I maybe would say as a kid, though, that toughness because I was getting beat the shit out of from my three older brothers and their friends at all times, and they would pick on me and I would just come right back at them. So that mindset started then. And then in high school, my senior year, I only had eight catches. My senior year in high school as a tight end, and we ran the ball 52 out of 52 plays one time, and it didn't matter because we were dominating. We won the game, like 30 nothing. I would just take guys, drive them back five yards, plant them one time in high school, picked up a guy, guy brought him off the sidelines 10 yards and threw him over the fence. It was kind of like the play, the Sergio Brown play, But instead I took the guy up in the air at 10 yards and threw him over.

[Will Compton]

This one right here.

[Rob Gronkowski]

And we. No, yeah, just like that one. But then I took the guy and threw him over the fence in high school. And we just took so much pride in that. Like it wasn't about catches, wasn't about touchdowns. So that translated into college and everyone respected it. Everyone respected me a lot more because I wasn't the guy just looking for touchdowns. I was the guy when it came to whatever, seven on seven. What's it called when you Nine on seven. Nine on seven run period, that I'd be showing up. And it was all about how. How. How badass can you be in the run game and how, you know, how hard can you block the DN and make a hole for your running back?

[Will Compton]

Dude, There is something about having a tight end that knows how to do, like, a trade block or a triple block and knows where the right fit is, where to put his hand sense. It makes your life so much easier.

[Rob Gronkowski]

The best feeling, dude. Yeah. And to this day, you know, when people show my highlights, I don't give a. Like, the catching highlights and touchdowns. I'm like, cool, whatever. I won't even look. I'll be like, that's cool. But when I see a blocking play of mine, I rewind that thing every time.

[Will Compton]

Just watching that.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I remember Steven Ridley. He was running back, my good friend. He beat Kevin Hart. Hart in a race, like, two years ago, and Kevin Hart blew out his hamstring. So the NFL. Do you guys remember that a little bit? No. He blew out his abdominal. And then the NFL was, you know, showed. Oh, ex player Steven Ridley, you know, blows away Kevin Hart in a race. Kevin Hart blows abdominal. So then what did they do? The NFL took all of Steven Ridley's highlights and they put them up on NFL.com or whatever, their Instagram page. And guess what? There I was, blocking, and I sent it to Ridley. I said, look at that block for you. I'm like. Like, I love the blocking highlights. And I'm. I'm, like, surprised with myself because I don't really remember. Like, it was just a natural thing I would do, you know, And I didn't really notice how important it really was. It was just part of my personality. Like, that's what I did. I blocked. But when I go back and I watch me block, like, when I was in my heyday, like the first four years, man, I was tossing dude. And I didn't really realize it. That I was really doing it, like. Like that. Like, I was doing it like that. So I'll always rewind a block, and I'll always make sure that people see all the blocks when they're up on the TV screen, which is whatever with the.

[Will Compton]

With the game. Wait, were you a guy that, like, talks during a game or you kind of just keep to yourself, and if somebody talks to you, you turn it up on them a little bit.

[Rob Gronkowski]

There we go. I love when people talk to me. It, like, brought me to a whole nother level. And that's what happened with the Sergio.

[Will Compton]

That's what I was gonna ask the.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Whole entire game, just yapping at me. And we're friends. Like, we were friends, like, in New England. I'm like, bro, like, I'm getting open on you guys, too, and we're dominating you, but just kept going and going and going, and finally he just triggered me, and I just was like, I'm off the next blocking play I get. I'm gonna just keep going and going and going.

[Will Compton]

How long was that? I'm gonna. I'm gonna get him when I get the chance.

[Rob Gronkowski]

He's just chirping. He was chirping the whole time. Yeah, there was D. You saw Dable there, Head coach of the Giants now. He loved it, too. There he is right there. They. Oh, he was drunk.

[Will Compton]

Yeah. How many plays? So this guy's tripping at you, getting after you, saying, whatever. How many. How long after was that block for you where you're like, okay, I'm gonna take this kid to the absolute silence. Oh.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I was going. I didn't care. I. I knew the play was over, too. Like, I saw the running back scored a touchdown. Oh, what's the name again? He had three touchdowns that game in, like, 250 yards.

[Will Compton]

You just had, like, 50 running backs.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah. No. And then we cut him, like, two weeks later because he was Jonas. Yeah. Jonas, though. Jonas Gray. I love so many running backs. I just couldn't think of who it was.

[Will Compton]

You guys had a sh. Running backs.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I. I saw him score right behind me, too, and I was like this. I'm still going. I was just over him. He was just talking the whole time, and I just, like, I'm gonna. I'm just gonna go until he collapses, and then boom. Finally.

[Will Compton]

God, that juices.

[Taylor Lewan]

That right there is why I never wanted to talk.

[Will Compton]

Yeah.

[Taylor Lewan]

Just to, like, if you're going against a good player, you're just. I'm always, like, kind of complimenting. I'm complimenting their.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Great.

[Will Compton]

Great.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I hated that. I'm like, this guy's too nice. Like, I don't want to get.

[Taylor Lewan]

It's not all. Yeah. It's when you have a lax. Just like, hey, you're playing a hell of a game out here just to, like. You never want that trigger to go off on somebody because you just never know you ain't trying to be on a highlight.

[Will Compton]

No, I feel you. I mean, you're on. You're Gron. How do you feel about this?

[Rob Gronkowski]

Oh, man, look at that.

[Taylor Lewan]

That's a.

[Rob Gronkowski]

That's you. 51, correct. Yeah. You got me solo tactics tackle. But that's a nice flat route though. Look at the speed I had back then. I wish I had that speed still though, man. Look at me come out of the back. Was that coming out of the backfield or was that just a flat route position or that? Yeah, I'm flying right there. See, I out angled you. That's how fast I was back then. That should have been. If you were playing true technique football as a linebacker, that should have been a two yard catch. I just beat the zombie zone. Beat the zone.

[Taylor Lewan]

I think we were a man there.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah.

[Taylor Lewan]

So it makes it even worse.

[Rob Gronkowski]

You made up. Oh, right there, look. It should have only been 4 yards, but will couldn't close the gap fast. Holy. I'm on the same page still. And that was. That was June 23, 2023. All right, so that wasn't that long ago, but still, that was a nice task tackle.

[Will Compton]

There's a lot of other men have failed trying to do that.

[Taylor Lewan]

Oh, 100. There's a photo where it's captured from. From Rob's angle to where it looks like he just. I mean he does stiff army, but it looks like they have a great angle to where that should. You get like posterized for getting stiff on now?

[Will Compton]

I know, I know Gronk's a guest on our show, but if you're in man coverage, are you fearful of this man because he's not like he wasn't the shiftiest guy in the world and you had some speed back then. This is massive. Biggest fucking.

[Taylor Lewan]

The stiff arm. Well, yeah, so yeah, absolutely.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Oh, yeah, there it is. Look at that pick. Oh, man. Still got me though.

[Taylor Lewan]

I see that pick.

[Will Compton]

You got to break that down. You got to break that down.

[Taylor Lewan]

And I got a chop.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I was on the sideline, so I knew that you had sideline help, so I didn't really try my hardest.

[Taylor Lewan]

I wanted you to catch the ball cuz I wanted to pad my stats.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah.

[Will Compton]

Was there a.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Works for both of us. First down, but you got a tackle. Solo tackle too right.

[Will Compton]

Pull on the film like comp. We got to fix the angle here a little bit, but hey, way to get him down when he got him.

[Taylor Lewan]

A lot of guys fail on that stiff.

[Will Compton]

A lot of guys fail.

[Taylor Lewan]

Mission Impossible is the greatest franchise of all time. And it's one of those few franchises that feels like they just constantly get better. They raise the bar, they have an amazing cast and they have incredible action scenes.

[Will Compton]

Buddy, I could not agree more. Tom Cruise is truly incredible. There's Actors and actresses out there all over the world. There's only a few elite actors and actresses, but there's only one individual who does all of their stunts and has no stunt doubles. And that is the one and only Tom Cruise.

[Taylor Lewan]

Mission Impossible, the Final Reckoning. They have some of the most dangerous stunts that have ever been filmed in cinema. They're incomparable visceral action for audiences around the world. I don't understand how they do it.

[Will Compton]

Each time, each move, buddy. The stunt Tom Cruise, Cruise performed on that plane. That plane was going 170 miles an hour. And then all of a sudden this insane stunt that was with 2 million gallons of water.

[Taylor Lewan]

You just know at 170 mile per hour winds and massive water tanks, this movie is going to be crazy. It's unmatched. It's going to be untouched.

[Will Compton]

This film is a culmination of the last 30 years. Every mission has led to this.

[Taylor Lewan]

I cannot wait to see this movie. The whole squad, squad's going. And all we talk about is how we can't wait to see this action on the big screen, bro.

[Will Compton]

Tom Cruise truly delivers in this movie. It makes you wonder, will this be the final reckoning Catch.

[Taylor Lewan]

Mission Impossible, the Final Reckoning in theaters this Thursday. You do not want to miss it. I got, I want to ask, I gotta ask. You were the same, same position, group, same age. What was it like around Aaron Hernandez?

[Will Compton]

I was just gonna get into that. That's.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Oh, really?

[Taylor Lewan]

Like in your mind, are you like all the stuff that comes out about him now, like going back, back to those moments around him, are you kind of thinking in your head like, I'm not in this world too much. But there's like some, there's like some that this guy's into off the field that I don't necessarily even want to.

[Will Compton]

Know because there was, we, we heard stories about like him being in the team meeting room, like beating off and like doing crazy. I mean, and honestly, if, if you don't want to talk about, we don't have to.

[Rob Gronkowski]

That's a possibility. That one. I may or may have not seen it live.

[Will Compton]

No.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah, yeah, I'm, I'm not.

[Will Compton]

At the time, you're just thinking to yourself, man, this guy really deny.

[Rob Gronkowski]

But I, I mean I love crazy though. So like I, I, I didn't mind things like that. I was like, wow. Like that was pretty epic. Like I was a wild man myself. So like I, I, I was like nothing phased me. I was like, I encouraged it, but like never, I mean, I mean Let me first off, unbelievable football player, man. You're talking about the playbook. Me struggling with the playbook. That guy knew the plays inside and out, the run game and pass game. And like the first two weeks being in New England while I struggled with it all the way until like week eight, you know. And he was balling right from the beginning. He was a basketball player out on the football field. That's what he was. With his size, he could run. He was, he was, at one point he was lining up at running back and having 30 plus yard runs while I was black.

[Taylor Lewan]

I mean, you guys could be a 12 personnel and be in any.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yes, we're the best combination at the tight end position of all time. And that second year proves it. I mean we had like what, 2300 yards combined and like 28 touchdowns between just him and I, including playoffs and regular season. That's unheard of. Like, ain't no other tight end combo ever going to have 1500 yards combined like ever again, possibly, or maybe like 1600 yards. So we went like 2800 and like 28 touchdowns, which is just absurd. But there's a lot of craziness. Definitely. But I didn't mind it. Like I said, I, I loved it. And then I didn't see, you know, it going to the level that it went to. I didn't see that happening. Like, that was a surprise. It was a surprise to everyone because you would never expect anyone, you know, especially being in that position to have it go to the level that it went to.

[Taylor Lewan]

And you're learning about this stuff with, when all the, the, whether it's documentary shows coming out about it, you're learning that then and you're like, I didn't really know it was that bad.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I didn't know it was that bad. I mean, I, I knew that, you know, there was definitely some wild sides to him, but with everything coming out, there's, there's some that I would say is true in the documentaries that come out. There's some that's probably exaggerated a little bit, but there's some that's not exaggerated at all either. I'm not going to talk about like what topics it was and everything, but I mean, it was wild, man. I, I, I was the guy that was truly there throughout his whole career, like in the same room the whole entire time as him. But it's unfortunate though what happened because the talent was just, just through the roof, man. Through the roof. And if we could have kept our tandem going, yeah, we would have been just Truly unstoppable. But yeah, that's really all I got on that. Yeah, yeah. Saw. Saw some of it. But you didn't know it was like to that extreme and not surprise either. Now either. Like it's like, okay, that makes sense now.

[Will Compton]

Yeah, yeah. When you guys are at practice. He got charged when you guys were at practice or like, like you guys practiced that day, correct?

[Rob Gronkowski]

No, it was an off season. It was actually. It was. Yeah, it was during the summer when no one was actually at the facility.

[Will Compton]

And what, like when, when you. Ryan Reynolds here from it. I don't know if you knew this, but anyone can get the same premium wireless for 15amonth plan that I've been enjoying. It's not just for celebrities. So do like I did and have one of your assistant's assistants switch you to Mint Mobile today. I'm told it's super easy to [e-mail].

[Rob Gronkowski]

Switch upfront payment of $45 for 3.

[Will Compton]

Month plan equivalent to $15 per month. Required intro rate, first 3 months only.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Then full price plan options available, taxes.

[Will Compton]

And fees, extra fee, full [e-mail] foundation out. Were you like, at first, like, there's no way this is possible, or were you. Like I said, that's a tough question to ask. What, what was your thought process when you heard he was charged?

[Rob Gronkowski]

Well, he didn't get charged until like after the fact that it all came out. Correct.

[Will Compton]

Yeah.

[Rob Gronkowski]

So, like when I first kind of like, what was the thought process when I first heard about, you know, the situation, the real situation where it was like, all right, this is trouble, you know, Surprised, shocked, big time. Sad a little bit. Like, no, like, no way. Like, also disappointed, you know, like, like, why would you do that? Like, like, why would. Like, what's going on? We got the whole world in front of us. We got the world by the balls, especially, you know, you and I as a tandem. Like, we got the best team out there, everything. So. So it was, it was shocking, you know, it was sad as well. You know, once. Once you really realize what truly happened.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah.

[Will Compton]

Yeah, man.

[Taylor Lewan]

How was Bill Belichick? Aside from what you get to see, whether he's in press conferences, the coaching side, the art of winning book. Like, what's he like kind of off the field or away? Because I think there's a story where he showed up hammered to Randy Moss's one of his costume parties or like a Halloween.

[Will Compton]

Halloween party. Yeah.

[Taylor Lewan]

What's a. What's another. What's another fun side of Bill Belichick?

[Rob Gronkowski]

All right, here's something that a lot of people really don't know is that he never really cracks jokes, you know, and he's always got that serious face in team meetings. But every once in a while, like, once every two weeks, he would just come in with an absolute banger, bro. I'm talking banger. And he would actually have a smile on his face right after. He would just drop some knowledge or some, you know, over the top joke that just landed every time with the team, and everyone would just be on the ground around this dying, laughing. It was so. It was always vicious, too. The Joker or whatever. The knowledge was always vicious. But when he came in with that, it always lightened the mood. It was every. It was once in a blue moon. But when he did do that, man, it was good. We all appreciated it.

[Taylor Lewan]

You ever get to. You ever party with Bill? He ever partake in the Gronkowski dances?

[Rob Gronkowski]

Actually, he showed up to the first Gronk beach ever. When I first retired, it was in Miami. It was at that super bowl, like five, six years ago. And he showed up to that Gronk beach, which was really cool. But other than that, he was there for like five minutes. He's like, yeah, this isn't really for me. Yeah, yeah, we were going.

[Will Compton]

Just him showing face. I bet men a lot.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I'm showing face, really. He'll get the shirt off.

[Will Compton]

Let's go.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah, he's great. But I think he loves. He loves the party scene more than ever right now, actually. Parties. I mean, he's not like he's rocking out, I mean, but he's there, you know, he's doing his thing and. And, you know, he's loosened up big time ever since he. He left being a head coach in the NFL, which is cool to see.

[Will Compton]

Were you surprised about that? Him loosening up after he became a head coach after he left the NFL?

[Rob Gronkowski]

Definitely, definitely surprised. I thought he would keep that mantra even, like, going on to whatever, you know, he was going to do next after the NFL. I'm sure he probably has that mantra while coaching, you know, the Tar Heels. But like, on the outside of everything else, I was definitely surprised when he started joining, you know, social media. You know, he joined the media game and he was more loose, you know, cracking more jokes, smiling more when he was making all his appearances on all the shows that he was on. But it was really good to see, like, I was happy for him. And, you know, it was a different side that everyone got to see, too. But the knowledge he drops as well, is. Is always accurate, too. Knows. Knows the game of football inside and out better than anyone else out there.

[Taylor Lewan]

What's it like seeing all the headlines with the Jordan stuff with no. 1 coach Belichick as this no nonsense coach Coach, and seeing all the, like, theatrics that have kind of came with. On the outside looking in, like with him at North Carolina.

[Will Compton]

A guy that's all about eliminating distractions.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, exactly.

[Rob Gronkowski]

So that. That's a little surprising to me because he was all about eliminating distractions. And like, it's kind of. I mean, we can't really say if it's a distraction yet or not because. Well, no. In the win loss column.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah.

[Rob Gronkowski]

This year, if he wins every game or. Or puts up eight wins this year at unc, well, then there was no distractions at all. The distractions.

[Will Compton]

He might actually. Yeah, he's a.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Sometimes it fuels him. I mean, how much, you know, crazy did he deal with in New England? From, you know, Tom's things to Hernandez to me, you know, in some situations to just a lot of other things that was going on. And we would just go out there and win constantly at a. At a, you know, at a rate that's never been seen before and win Super Bowls, even though there was things going on the outside, you know, that didn't, you know, that were trying to distract us but wouldn't get to us because we would block it all out. But. But still, if there was something going on and it was just at, like just bickering, you know, at. At the team and like, everyone had to deal with it, he would kind of say something, you know, like, hey, kind of like amp it down a little bit, you know, like you have.

[Taylor Lewan]

The one on one meeting.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah. Like, like this is going on. Like, can you just kind of diffuse the situation? So I kind of feel like he's not diffusing the situation at all when it could be diffused a little bit more. And it's becoming a dist. The whole entire program at the University of North Carolina a little bit. So it kind of goes against that, but like we said, he's also loosened up tremendously and he's kind of a, you know, change, you know, personality since being a coach in the NFL. But just overall, I think, like, football needs to come. Once football comes, you know, I. I'm excited to see. See how all that goes. You know, I'm kind of getting annoyed about all these other things that's talked about with Bill right now. It's like, let's See this guy, Coach? You know, if this guy dominates, well, then let it be.

[Will Compton]

Yeah.

[Rob Gronkowski]

And if he loses out right from the beginning and he's one in three, that could be a serious problem.

[Will Compton]

Yeah. If he starts out one and three, you need to fly up to North Carolina and have a one on one meeting with him. We gotta eliminate these distractions.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I'll have University of North Carolina Carolina hire me as like the president of all sports just so I could be his boss.

[Will Compton]

Hey, the president wants to meet you. You're in there and be like, I'm your boss.

[Taylor Lewan]

I'm sorry, brother Gronk, Tom and Edelman.

[Will Compton]

All fly all above them too. They all have to be above them.

[Taylor Lewan]

To a meeting room.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Eliminate the distractions. Come on now.

[Will Compton]

What are we doing out here?

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah.

[Will Compton]

Yeah. You want to win or not? Like, that's what we got to focus on.

[Rob Gronkowski]

But we'll see. We'll see what happens, you know? Yeah, we'll see what happens.

[Will Compton]

One in three. I'm going for it, though.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I'm pulling from the one dude. It'll be great for football. It'll be great for college football. Yeah, Be like the Dion effect, you know?

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Like how much better? Like, no one watched Colorado. It's like no one watched unc. Like, everyone tuned in.

[Will Compton]

Everyone will be tuned into UNC for sure. When Tom and Bill end up breaking up. Tom, you, you go with Tom to Tampa Bay. From your vantage point, what did you see happening there on the inside side between their relationship? Because you were saying in the beginning of, of your career, Tom's sitting there as baby Bill Belichick. He's Bill Belichick son, essentially. And then they get to the end, you hear about how they're not really getting along culturally. They think that they're going different directions. Tom, inevitably you guys lose to the Titans in 2019, ending your dynasty.

[Rob Gronkowski]

And then I was retired.

[Will Compton]

You're right.

[Rob Gronkowski]

That's what ended your dynasty.

[Will Compton]

Do you think so you think you.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Would have won that game?

[Will Compton]

What do you. What did you. What do you see happening between them and that breakup?

[Rob Gronkowski]

Well, yeah, like, like I said, I mean, I was surprised. I mean, if you go all the way, way back to my rookie year, it was definitely like a different mindset or positioning that Tom was in. Like he. I, like I said he was like Bill Belichick's son my rookie year. But I would say, I mean, I really can't talk for Tom or Bill, like, on how the relationship. But I would just say what kind of really happened happened was that Tom was probably growing older, you know, and was like, you know, wanting to freelance more, I would say, doesn't have to be treated like a rookie. And it was still going on. And I would say he was getting over that situation, even though it was kind of like that, you know, my rookie year.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah.

[Rob Gronkowski]

And he was, you know, guys, 35 years old now 36. And doesn't need to be treated like arguably the goat. Yeah. Probably already the greatest of all time time. It doesn't need to be treated like a rookie, you know. And I would say the tension started feuding over things, like in that situation between them, too. That's kind of like how I. How I saw it in a way. And then eventually neither of them were gonna, you know, you know, twitch or.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah, like bend the knee or.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Bend the knee. Yeah, bend the knee. So the tension just started heating up, I would say, and. And eventually, you know, the divorce happened. But I. For details or what they were truly thinking, you would have to ask one of them. But from an outside perspective, like, player, I would say that's kind of how the case, you know, kind of started and ended.

[Taylor Lewan]

When those topics are getting talked about in the media, is it when we're like, oh, yeah, this is going to come to. To the surface sooner or later.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah. And then it's also like, wow, it took that long for it to come to the surface as well. Yeah, yeah. Sometimes the media is right. It's like, wow, it took them that long. But then sometimes it's like, wait, they're already way ahead of the game. How do they already know that it was that that was already coming to the surface? Or they would come up with something that wasn't even up to the surface, and it was never going to come up to the surface. But there's some things where it's like, whoa, it took them that long. And you're surprised. You know, now with media these days, when media doesn't catch on to something, it takes a while to get out. You're surprised with that.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah.

[Will Compton]

What it was. What were the conversations that took place to get you out of retirement and into Tampa?

[Rob Gronkowski]

Well, everything had a, you know, check out for me. It wasn't just one situation that was going to, you know, get me out of retirement. First off, I had to be feeling good again. I was really beat up, you know, those last two years in New England. And it was getting tough on me, you know, playing on a weekly basis, like the Sunday game. I couldn't recover until, like, Saturday, the following Saturday. And then the practice and all that, it was just becoming miserable. I mean, everyone experiences that and that's why everyone retires eventually. Because if you weren't experiencing that and you experiencing the joy of like playing like when you're in 23, why the would you retire? You know what I mean? So when it gets. Starts getting miserable and hard, you know, that's when you want to walk away from the game. And that's what I did. But I was really beat up too. But I was like, you know, you're kind of evolving, you know, throughout your whole career. I involved, found different situations, you know, to recover. Also different workouts, you know, that can keep me on top of my game. Also kind of needed a different scenario, you know, different program, you know. So when Tom went to Tampa, we just talked about it a little bit. My mom lived down there. I love Florida. Totally different organization. Felt more laid back. Definitely put the work in, but still more laid back. Like a country club. They wanted me as well. Tampa. It wasn't just Tom wanted me. The organization called me up too and they're like, yeah, we definitely want you be a part, you know, of the Buccaneers family. I was feeling good as well and felt like I had more left in the tank. So every box checked off, off. And then obviously with Tom going down there to have that chemistry and just to keep it going on, on in the new program, so everything just, you know, you know, pled my way and I pulled the trigger to do it.

[Taylor Lewan]

And there it seems it sounds like they're willing to like cater around your expectation, what you wanted physically too. Like what your body needed, what you needed as. How old are you at this time?

[Rob Gronkowski]

I was 30 years old.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah, it's like a 30 year, 3 year old tight tight end was back in New England when you decided to retire. You talk about the joy and it just. You hated showing up to work. Was a lot of it to the expectation and the stress that would come with the organization of the Patriots. Like the standard that had lived and they expected you to live by. When you're like, hey, I feel like my body would respond better doing this or I feel like I should be doing this workouts because a lot of times you butt heads with those third party sources that we all use outside of the facility and then you try to implement them inside side and the whole, the whole Eagle battle kind of like butts heads.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah, you hit it right on the money, bro. You, I mean like you said you played for a while so you understand that. And every player kind of Goes through that experience, too. But in. In a way, like, I. Like in New England, like, coaches never gave off anyone from practice. But, like, at end of my career, I was like, I can't be playing in a game on Sunday and practice full speed Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, like. Like, I'm blocking. Guys, think about what I'm doing. I'm running 35 routes a game as well, like a wide receiver. And I'm trying to block three, you know, 300 pounders, sometimes DNS that are 260 pounds, linebackers that are running all over the place on a continuous basis, every single place. So my energy and effort and output is higher than anyone else out there on the football field, if you really think about it, because of the routes I gotta run and also the be in shape black and. And I just couldn't recall cover anymore. Like, Wednesday would come and I wouldn't even want to hit anyone in the 997. I'd be like, yo, like, I'm just gonna put my hand in front of you, you know, Like, I didn't even want to hit. Like, that's. That's a bad feeling. You don't want to get hit, and you're playing the game of football. But, like, if I took off, like, by like, Thursday or Friday, like, I was able to do it again. Like, have that mindset, like, oh, I'm ready to hit. But, like, no. No one would get off in practice or anything. So it was getting tough. Like, that mentality, that aura in New England, like, I wanted to approach a day off of practice and all that, but it was just tough. And it was tough to ask for it, too, because of the expectations.

[Taylor Lewan]

Right.

[Rob Gronkowski]

So when I got the Tampa, like.

[Taylor Lewan]

You'Re letting the team down.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Exactly. But when I got to Tampa, they were kind of known, like, hey, we're gonna. We give vets a day off. Like, you gotta be truly proven, though. Like. And I was proven at that time, and I was like, can I at least get one day off a week? And every. In training camp, every three days, I get off, too. And they were down for it.

[Will Compton]

It.

[Rob Gronkowski]

They were down.

[Will Compton]

I bet you could have probably negotiated more coming out of retirement. Yeah, you'd have been like, yeah, I.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Didn'T need more, though. But also with the mindset of coming from New England, you kind of feel like you're letting the team down as well if you're taking off too much, you know, especially if you're not injured or, you know, rehabbing an injury. But I was cool with it with My mindset because I truly knew that I couldn't practice every single day than be fully ready for a game on Sunday. And they gave me off every Friday. My. My two years in Tampa, which I'm thankful for, which, you know, I put the work in, you know, Wednesday, Thursday. But I truly believe that's what got me to play and got me, you know, to be able to play at the level I play. It wasn't the highest level of football that I could possibly play at like I was, but, like, to play at the highest level at that age and where I was taking off that Friday to at least make an impact on the field.

[Will Compton]

Right. Well, got you that incentive, too.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah.

[Will Compton]

Because there was that clip that came out of you going up. The Tom being like, hey, I need one more.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yes.

[Will Compton]

And so you guys were. You were pulled out of that game. Correct. And you're like, I need to go back in.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah, well, we were. We were w. In them. It was like the third quarter. We were up like 35 nothing or 35 seven. So they pulled out of starters. But Tampa's cool. You know, they're cool like that. They want you to make all the possible money that you can make. Our offensive corner, Byron Leftwich, always said in the meeting, there's two things that you take away from football. In the end. He goes, it's your relationships and it's the money that you make. That's the two things that stick with you forever. And he says, so going in, he goes, if we're up, obviously the most important thing is to win the game. But if we're up and you need an extra catch, we're going to get you that extra catch. We're going to get you that money. That's awesome. So we were winning. They pulled all the starters, but Tom was like, hey, we got to get one more catch. We drew a play right on the right on the sideline. Hey, Rob, motion across. You're just going to run a diagonal. I'm going to hit you. And boom, motion across. I actually false started, but they didn't get called. Where you lean forward a little bit. Yeah, that's called. What's that called again? Again? What's the penalty?

[Will Compton]

Illegal motion.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah, but you. Where you accidentally move forward a little bit on the motion. That's a penalty. You're not allowed to move forward.

[Will Compton]

Is that just a false start then?

[Rob Gronkowski]

It is a false start, but there's a name for it. I can't think about it right now, but I did that actually. But they didn't call it. Cuz it was. The game was just way out of reach. Ran that diagonal, boom. Time hit me.

[Will Compton]

Was that 700?

[Rob Gronkowski]

It was, it was my. I need. Did I think like 55 catches or something. That was my 55th catch to hit my last incentive in my contract. Yeah. So Tampa was cool. Cool like that.

[Will Compton]

Yeah. Did you, did you ever have incentive based stuff in your contracts in New England?

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yes.

[Will Compton]

Never. Did you ever miss one?

[Rob Gronkowski]

My last year in New England, I basically missed them all. But my second last year, New England, I base, I hit them all.

[Will Compton]

Did you really?

[Rob Gronkowski]

Sorry about myself again going into that last year, but halfway through, halfway through, I didn't even care about them anymore. I was just like, I was just like, I gotta surf. I gotta survive, dude. I'm just trying to survive here.

[Will Compton]

Yeah. What was, what was written the most on you towards the end? Like from your body standpoint? I gotta survive. This was a shoulder. Was your back again?

[Rob Gronkowski]

It was inflammation in my body, bro.

[Will Compton]

Insert Adam Bobo.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah, inflammation, dude. Like it wasn't anything. Nag. Well, my back was nagging a lot, but I was inflamed. But like, like I still have it to this day a little bit. Like if I go ham one day, two days later, later, like I can't move, like I'm inflamed, like I'm slow. I kind of actually have it a little bit today. I haven't worked down like two weeks. I did a hardcore yoga like 48 hours ago. Exactly. And like I didn't go too hard in it because I knew I was coming out. But when I get inflamed, like I'm slower, like I can't run as fast. And I was like, I couldn't recover fast enough and get rid of that inflammation. Even though I started finding ways to do it. It's just at that rapid rate. And I was so far behind, behind that. Just that slowness, just that. Not that burst anymore. You don't have that quickness either anymore. And it just doesn't want to make you get hit either. Everything hurts then too. So inflammation was, you know, my biggest killer, I would say.

[Taylor Lewan]

Is there a story outside of what you've already talked about in past conversations where you were going to get traded to Detroit, you threatened to retire. They don't trade you.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah.

[Taylor Lewan]

But was there a story behind the scenes about how the organization was kind of handling your situation that isn't known or that you haven't kind of talked about because everybody's aware that you did the whole threaten to retire they don't trade you. You're back in New England.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Well, that was a tough year. We lost to the Philadelphia Eagles that year actually in the super bowl after we. After the Comeback versus Falcons. So we went back to back Super Bowls. We actually almost three peated. We went to three Super Bowls in a row, but we just lost the middle one versus the Eagles. But that year was tough, man. I'm talking just the aura of the organization. I don't think anyone really enjoyed that stuff season. I'm talking like any player. Like it was just weird. But we were dominating, we were still winning and we went to the Super Bowl. But just overall it was, it was tough. And what, what, what was the question.

[Taylor Lewan]

Again about when they were going to, they were going to trade you to each other?

[Rob Gronkowski]

Now I say that. That's why I was bringing that up so that whole year. So then I was being an. After that year, you know, like they were trying to get a hold of me. I wasn't answering anything I was saying in the media. I was just being a complete. And then I'm with Monster Energy and Monster Energy has Monster Jam and at the, at. At new in New England at Gillette Stadium. And I still haven't talked to anyone in the organization. I was kind of vocal in the media. Like this year sucked. Like, kind of like that. Like miserable here. Like I was one of those guys like, like that was like the oral when everyone was saying it sucks to play in New England. Like there was those that one or two years that was when the Eagles players were going to the parade and like ripping on the organization. Like, yeah, I was one of the guys like saying it sucks to play there. Like that year. Like it was just a tough year. Just overall. So then I was being an. I go to Monster Jam and I have to have a press conference there and it's all the football, like for my monsters. Like, hey, like you got to do the appearance at Monster Jam. And I was like, oh. I was like, this ain't gonna go over so well. So I show up to the press conference and I, the whole uniform, like I'm a freaking dirt bike rider with the helmet on. I go up to the press conference and they just start asking me football questions right away and I'm just giving blatant like answers back. And then a week later is when I get the phone call and finally I answer, hey, we're going to trade you. And I never wanted to get traded, actually. I knew it was going to come down to this. So because of What I was doing, it was the counter reaction, you know, the organization was doing back to me. Like, oh, he wants to be an asshole. Well, we're going to get rid of them. And that's when Patricia was the head coach at the Lions, too. And he's like, all right, well, I'm going to grab Gronk, then I'm going to trade for him. And I got the call, I got traded, but I was prepared. I was fucking prepared. I knew the phone call was going to come. I knew I was going to get traded. I was prepared. Hey, Rob, we're going to trade you to the line. I said, you can't trade a retired player. Yeah, right on the spot. I was like, can't trade me. I'm retired. Like, I just retired. Like, you can't trade my agents. Like, you're a giant genius, Drew. I've never been in this situation before. And then finally I. They. Bill was like, well, then what the. The problem? I went in, we hashed everything out. I was like, the train never went through. Then it got axed, actually. It would have been through if I said, no problem, but ended up playing one more year knowing I was like. I was like, business isn't done. Like, I'm just being an asshole a little bit. Business not done. Let's do one more year. I'm so glad I went back. I was actually about to retire though, too. I was really thinking about. About it, but I didn't feel right going to another team. Not at all. I was like, I'm not going to end it with another team. I'll do another year in New England. And we ended up winning the Super Bowl. And that was my last game in New England winning that super bowl, I think 53 in Atlanta versus Los Angeles Rams added with that catch up the middle, a 28 yard bomb up the seam to the two yard line. And then Sony Michelle ran the ball right behind me in for the only touchdown of the game. So it all worked out in the end.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah, man. What made that year with Philadelphia so hard. Hard was the expectation coming off the. The prior Super Bowl.

[Rob Gronkowski]

No, I was beat up a little bit still. My body wasn't responding how I wanted it to, but just the aura. Yeah, yeah, it was that. No, no, the last year going in was. Was a lot better than that Philadelphia season. I remember everyone just was pissed. Yeah, I remember. It's just hard to explain. Like what? Like what? Like why? Like, you just had to be a part of it.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah.

[Will Compton]

Yeah, dude. Off the field, let's Go.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I like off the field.

[Will Compton]

You've done a lot of cameos.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yes, I have.

[Will Compton]

Entourage, Family Guy, the Clapper. It sounds like a venereal.

[Rob Gronkowski]

That's what Will had when he was. That's why they beat us so bad in the Holiday Bowl. We were staying away from them. Like, these guys have the clap.

[Will Compton]

But, dude, you've done. You've done all of these different. SpongeBob SquarePants got to stay.

[Taylor Lewan]

Say.

[Will Compton]

You gotta say that SpongeBob SquarePants still.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Gives me residual checks for, like, two grand. Like, no, like, every. Like, dude.

[Will Compton]

I mean, the show is.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah, I love. And I. I'm like, when did I do SpongeBob SquarePants? I remember I sang the, like, birthday song in one of the episodes. I still get residual checks from it. That is awesome.

[Will Compton]

Of all these cameos that you've done, what was, like, the, like, the thing you were most excited for now? Do people call you and be like, hey, we want Gronk to do this cameo? Or are you ever, like, calling your age and being like, I heard. I heard this movie's coming out. I heard the show. I love the show. How I met your mother. I want to be a part of.

[Rob Gronkowski]

This kind of both, you know, especially at first, I wanted to be a part of cameos. Like, I. I wanted to live that lifestyle. Like I said. I wasn't saying no going to the draft any. That movie with Jamie Foxx was at any given Sunday or. Right. I love that movie. Like, I'm like, I want to live like that. They were part in the locker room after doing all that good, you know, I wanted to live like a movie. So. So I was just telling my people, like, oh, I'll do any appearance in whatever movie. And then my very first one actually, basically was the Entourage movie. Loved Entourage. Growing up as a kid, one of the.

[Will Compton]

One of the best shows like that.

[Rob Gronkowski]

When I was in high school and I told my friends in high school, so I'm gonna be on that show one day. Watch. And then I ended up getting in the movie, which was really, really cool. And definitely, I would say that was one of my favorite appearances, because what's funny is, is I was right in my prime of partying. So I actually got to this set, and I started taking shots with everyone because it was like, 11:30pm at night, and I was going out that night, so I started getting hammered on the spot. And in the scene, I'm. I'm partying in the scene, so it worked out perfect. Yeah, I was actually hammered for that scene. Right there.

[Will Compton]

Was that. Was that. Was that line ad libbed when you stood up and screamed?

[Rob Gronkowski]

No, no, they gave it to me.

[Will Compton]

They gave it to you.

[Rob Gronkowski]

But I took it to another level.

[Will Compton]

Yeah, he did. Yeah, with the shoulder, too, and a sling.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I was super handicapped. I was actually coming off the knee injury, so I was. Actually had a, you know, ACL surgery three months prior to that. But then we also put the arm brace on. Like, my arm was still freaking broken. Yeah, I always had a. A cane as well. It just. Just went along.

[Will Compton]

Well, what was it like seeing Vinnie Chase and Johnny Drama and all those boys after watching that show for so long and being able to see.

[Rob Gronkowski]

See them, it was the best, dude. I love him to this day. I see him at charity events and everything and seeing Drama. I love Drama, his character, and just drama as well as a person. Dude. Great, dude. It was the best to just be a part of it, you know? The dream come true. Yeah, dreams come true, dude.

[Taylor Lewan]

All this stuff.

[Rob Gronkowski]

There we are. All this pictures right there.

[Taylor Lewan]

I know, right?

[Rob Gronkowski]

There's the set.

[Taylor Lewan]

That's so young, Rob.

[Will Compton]

Entourage really was that show that if you watched it, you wanted to be Vinnie Chase. You'd be like, how do I have the ability to live this life?

[Rob Gronkowski]

Well, Vinnie Chase was, like, too pretty and, like, I knew I couldn't be Vinnie Chase. I was kind of like, I just wanted. I just want to have a group like that, you know, group of boys. Group of boys like that. Because I was kind of like Vinnie Chase, but I was more of like Johnny Drama in a way. I was like them combined, you know, like.

[Will Compton]

Yeah, I got you, dude. That show. You got to watch that show.

[Taylor Lewan]

I know. I've seen.

[Rob Gronkowski]

You never seen the movie. I haven't seen. You never seen the show?

[Taylor Lewan]

No, bro.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Oh, man.

[Will Compton]

You see the movie too? There's so many calls.

[Rob Gronkowski]

And the show blows away. The movie, though, like, absolutely blows away.

[Will Compton]

Is he not. Is he maybe the best character of all time?

[Rob Gronkowski]

Written character, best character. God, by far. Drama, you know, competes with it. But Ari is just phenomenal.

[Will Compton]

Dude, I don't think anybody touches Ari in this show. He is so outstanding.

[Taylor Lewan]

Drama.

[Will Compton]

Taylor, he's all right. I. I knew. I saw you looking at me, too. I got the Frenchie. He's pissed off because I step out of the batter's box. In baseball, we can't. Yeah. One wasn't a huge fan of Drama. It wasn't a huge fan. No, no, no, no.

[Rob Gronkowski]

This is. Well, that's why I like you a lot more, man. That's why I'm on the show for you. Well, thank you.

[Will Compton]

Yeah.

[Taylor Lewan]

Dude, all the stuff that you've done off the field, it's. It's rumored that you never spent a dollar of your NFL earnings. Earnings. Is that true?

[Rob Gronkowski]

Technically, it's not true. Well, it actually started working because Drew gave me a $50,000.

[Taylor Lewan]

Technically it's not true. Technically it is true.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Technically it is true. Okay, yes. What did I say? It's not true.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah, you said technically.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Well, technically I was wrong there. But technically it's true. That man is true. Drew Rosenaus actually gave me a fifty thousand dollar upfront, like marketing budget at the beginning. And you gotta pay them back over the time, the first 50 grand you make. So I actually took that 50 grand, I bought me a car, you know, I paid for my spot up in New England actually with it. And then as I was getting a couple of deals, I paid them off. But just overall, you know, I actually, I'm very frugal, you know, and live, you know, with a roommate. My first couple of years, I didn't know how long the NFL was going to last. I was a second round pick. So it was like a four year, $4 million deal. And I was like, if I play this contract out, I'll be set for life. I got $2 million in my bank, bank, I can make a hundred, 100, $200,000 of interest. I was like, if I only play three, four years, I'm good. And I wanted that situation for me too, that I could be good as well. Like, like if, hey, if I don't ball, if I'm not the player, you know, that I think I could be whatever, I'm still set for life because 2 million in the bank is set for life to me, you know, at that time. So I, I just always wanted to save it. And I just used my money that I was getting off the field, field to just spend it on whatever I needed to spend it on. And then therefore it just kept continuing. And to this day, technically I have not spent any of my.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah, isn't it crazy how when you're young, you have the mindset like, if I'll have $2 million, I'll be set for life. And I know obviously $2 million is a lot of money, but as time goes and you get older in your lifestyle that you do have, you're like, oh, 2 million. 2 million wouldn't get me very far. If I continue to like live the way you think you can live.

[Will Compton]

Right.

[Taylor Lewan]

First, sign a deal for like, four years. $4 million.

[Will Compton]

Yeah. It's scary how there's, like, always a new level to it. Like, you think, if I can get to this point, that's all I need, blah, blah. But then you get to that point, you're like, what is this? We got. What's going on here? There's a private aviation. You can get on a plane and just kind of go where you want. That's pretty crazy. It always just. It's always changing. It's always.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah, I told you. He's gonna be quiet the whole entire time. He's gonna let us know when it's his turn. And now he's letting us know it's his turn. All right, but before. Buddy, Buddy, we still got a little bit longer.

[Will Compton]

Just a little. Just a little bit longer.

[Rob Gronkowski]

We'll give you.

[Will Compton]

Give us 10, buddy.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Give us a little bit longer, buddy. I told you, though. I call him. I know this guy way too well.

[Will Compton]

Yeah, see, it's a dog.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Come up here.

[Will Compton]

It's a good dog.

[Taylor Lewan]

What you think about all raves in New England?

[Rob Gronkowski]

I think that's. Yeah. I mean, I was waiting for this subject to come up, actually, because you guys know Rabes. You guys both played for him, but I think that's the perfect fit, you know, for New England. England overall, just for the organization, for the fan base, for the Craft family. You know, I just love his mantra. I love what he stands for. I never really met Vrabel before, just for a quick second. I've heard plenty of stories of him because he was that first era of. Of being a, you know, a Patriot and winning all the Super Bowls. But just to see the way he progressed as a coach, too. That's why he's such a good fit, too, for New England, because he's established. He put his time in as a player, put his time in as a coach. Going to Ohio State, working his way up, going to Houston as, like, what, D.C. or whatever. So he's. He took a step every single way to get to where he is, and I think he just has the personality just from just seeing it and just hearing from other players that I think he's the truest perfect fit possibly possible for that second era, you know, after Bill Belichick and what they're doing so far in New England. I mean, you can't really argue with any of the moves that they have made so far. I think they have made every move. Move, you know, correctly with the draft, with who they took all the way from free agency. They had all that money they went and got the guys they needed to get for the positions they needed to get. You never know though, like when you make a team out of free agency, you never know how it's going to be. Yeah, it's going to. Guy like Vrabel, I feel like he can gel him because he's a guy that can gel people from, I mean he played offense before special teams, defense, like those guys know how to gel.

[Will Compton]

He'll tell you, he'll tell you, he'll tell you. He's done it all too. I mean 14 years in the NFL and he's been a guy on every part of the, the entire roster. I mean if you look at like the Titans in 2021, I think they set a record for the most players play because of all the injuries and we were the number one seed going into the playoffs. Obviously we lost the first round we played but that, that shows a guy that can gel his team and really I think it just depends on Drake May if Drake May can show up in a big way and take a step from year one to year two like the Patriots could be, be good actually good with all the, with all the free agency acquisitions.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I'm going on record to say that they're making the playoffs this year as well. I, I, I don't think you know that they may, they have a chance at the division but the Bills, but it's, it's afc Dolphins are going to Dolphin, you know, they're going to look beautiful real quick out of the water and they're going to sink back down. You know the jets. Yeah, I mean we know they're just too far away still mean. And then Bills are going to, you know, Bills are good, they're established. They're going to obviously be the dominant but I think Patriots, they can, they can sneak into the playoffs this year. I, I can see that. I don't think they're going to, you know, compete for a Super bowl but I think in the end, in the two, three years possibly yes. But this year they're going to be making a big impact on.

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[Will Compton]

The fourth overall pick this year to the playoffs the next year. That's a huge jump.

[Taylor Lewan]

We should get a Speaking of since we're all Team FanDuel we should get a little futures part parlay going. I want to say the commanders over under is nine and a half, Titans are five and a half and Patriots are seven and a half wins. Get a little combine them all futures.

[Will Compton]

Bet I'll hit the overs.

[Taylor Lewan]

Hit the overs on them all.

[Will Compton]

Well what is why are we hitting.

[Rob Gronkowski]

The overs with with the Titans? Why can't we each do the over and then the Titans we do the under.

[Taylor Lewan]

You think the Titans will struggle and not win over Titans are not going.

[Will Compton]

To get six games.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I don't think so, no. How many did they get last year?

[Will Compton]

Three?

[Rob Gronkowski]

I think they got three. I think they got four or five in them this year.

[Will Compton]

No, it wasn't five. I know.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Oh, what's the improvement? Yeah, they got. They got the quarterback number one overall pick but I'm just saying overall where what else did they get?

[Will Compton]

This is a good they paid a left tackle $80 million and they're going to move their left tackle from last year played all 17 games. He was the top 10 pick over the right side. They got Zeitler at right guard. Now they got Cushionberry at center. And then you have a guy going to his third year that was a 11th overall pick, Peter Skansky at left guard. So we have a good offensive line.

[Rob Gronkowski]

All right.

[Will Compton]

All right.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Right.

[Will Compton]

You got Calvin Ridley and you got two great backs and Spears and Pollard and you got. It really depends on like Cam Ward can. If Cam Ward can be who we've kind of seen him be, then they are going to easily win over five.

[Rob Gronkowski]

And a half games. It's all on Cam Ward.

[Will Compton]

It is just like, just like, just like the Patriots. It's all on Drake May because you got seven and a half. We got five and a half.

[Rob Gronkowski]

With that breakdown. You know I feel more Comfortable taking me over.

[Will Compton]

I will say, well, let me play.

[Taylor Lewan]

Same meeting. Maybe we go both options number one and an under one.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Well, what's the Patriots over?

[Will Compton]

Under seven and a half.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Oh yeah, they got. We got to go over. If I say they're making the playoffs and that's a weak division as well. You know.

[Will Compton]

You have a monster.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah. With the Bills, but I'm going over Patriots, I'm going big. I'm going over big time.

[Will Compton]

We're all just going to be so biased.

[Rob Gronkowski]

And then what's the commanders nine and.

[Taylor Lewan]

A half half which is a big one.

[Rob Gronkowski]

But that is big.

[Taylor Lewan]

Jane Daniels in his second year.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I mean, and they only upgraded their team as well. They went out and got some more talent. You know, you got Cliff Kingsberry as offensive corner. He's established, he knows how to handle players and he knows how to break down players talent as well and use it. So I like the over. We got to do a parlay where it's just all over there. Yeah, but let's go big too.

[Will Compton]

Go up, go up to September 14th. That's the first game. Or September 7th. September 7th. The Raiders dub. But Pete Carroll, you got the new running back in there. Gino Smith is there. They're going to run the ball. They're going to play good football. Toss up. You said the Dolphins come out, come out of the water early in the season and look really pretty. That one's in Miami and that one's in Miami.

[Rob Gronkowski]

And it's in Miami. But did you see Portnoy break down the Patriots schedule?

[Will Compton]

Yeah, I thought he did a great job.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I mean, they're going 17 0. So he did do a great job. He did a good job.

[Will Compton]

He did a good job.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I, I like us. I looked, I was like five and a half minutes, like the first 30 seconds, the first breakdown of the first game. I was like, all right. I was like, maybe I can watch five and a half minutes. But he was so good and entertaining. The first, you know, breakdown of the Las Vegas game, I was like, all right, I gotta watch every single one. I watched the whole entire video and I, I literally walked away. Like, that was good.

[Will Compton]

Yeah, he.

[Rob Gronkowski]

That might be.

[Will Compton]

There's a reason why Dave is where Dave's at. He can talk, but Steelers, we're not.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Breaking down the whole schedule.

[Will Compton]

I'm just looking at seven games.

[Rob Gronkowski]

They're going above seven. I mean, we got the Steelers number. The Patriots always take down the Steelers no matter what.

[Taylor Lewan]

You guys have a schedule. You got the Panthers.

[Rob Gronkowski]

It's very Favorable.

[Taylor Lewan]

Saints, Browns, Falcons.

[Will Compton]

Yeah, we feel good about seven and a half there. Jets, we feel good about.

[Rob Gronkowski]

We're going over seven and a half.

[Will Compton]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. The Titans. I know I talked a big, big about their offense, but they are going to have holes on defense. Like, I don't think they're going to have their cornerback. Their secondary is going to be in.

[Rob Gronkowski]

A tough position, and that's going to be tough on a rookie quarterback then, too. Because if rookie quarterback needs help from the defense in order to get truly established and understand everything going on and.

[Will Compton]

You'Re not playing from behind all the time.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Exactly. And when you're playing from behind as a rookie, it's tough to get over that hump then, you know, it's tough to win games. I mean, you got to be truly established as a quarterback in order to. In order to understand, like, all right, this is what we got to do from behind. This is what we got to do with a shitty defense.

[Will Compton]

Right.

[Rob Gronkowski]

That's hard to understand your rookie year.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah.

[Rob Gronkowski]

You know, in the NFL at that position. But I'm down. I'm down to do. I'm down to parlay. I actually, I got my phone right here. I'm gonna put the parlay in right now.

[Taylor Lewan]

At least build it so we know what the odds.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I won that bet. I won that bet last night. Florida Panthers taking down, you know, the Toronto Maple Leafs in game seven. Do you need another utter moment of silence for that? No, no.

[Taylor Lewan]

I appreciate you.

[Will Compton]

Thank you for thinking about my feelings, but we don't need to. We're gonna go to Tear Talk while you're putting that in. And Tear Talk is sponsored by Row Row Sparks are a 2:1 prescription treatment for guys who need a secret weapon against softness. Rose Sparks can give you guys bigger, thicker, longer erections because they get fuller after rose sparks dissolve. They work in 15 minutes on average if prescribed. New sex sexual health patients get 15 off their first order on Sparks. On our recurring plan, connect with the provider at Ro Co Bussin to find out if a prescription row sparks are right for you. That's Ro Co. Busin for 15 off your first order.

[Rob Gronkowski]

So you're saying that compounded drugs are.

[Will Compton]

Permitted to be prescribed under federal law but are not FDA approved and do not undergo FDA safety effectiveness or manufacturing review. For full safety information, go to RO Co Safety info. Go ahead.

[Rob Gronkowski]

So you're saying it will give me an erection?

[Will Compton]

No, we're saying it'll give you a thicker, longer, bigger erection.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Well, then it's for me.

[Will Compton]

Yeah. There you Go. There you go. Let's go.

[Rob Gronkowski]

All right, here we go. I got the odds for the Tennessee Titans regular season wins, but they. They give plenty of odds. You can do over three and a half wins or over five and a half wins or over seven and a half wins wins. So you're saying the standard odds, though, are over five and a half wins.

[Will Compton]

What. What does it say straight up?

[Rob Gronkowski]

I don't know. It's minus 130 for five and a half wins.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah. Then that's the one that. That they'll be running.

[Rob Gronkowski]

All right, so that's the one we want right there. So how do I parlay that? Do I just go.

[Will Compton]

Go to another bet?

[Rob Gronkowski]

All right, I'll go to the New England Patriots. All right. There. Washington Commanders. Click that. So what we want over nine and a half wins. That's minus 110. That's the one we want then. All right. All right. There we go. That. That parlayed same game parlay. And now we're going with the New England Patriots. Where are you guys? Right there. Over. Under seven and a half. Minus 150. That's it. Just clicked it. All right. Oh, we get. Now it's a plus 473 overall.

[Taylor Lewan]

Plus 473 for that.

[Rob Gronkowski]

So how much should I put in? So this is a future bet. I'm gonna do.

[Taylor Lewan]

Don't do it yet.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yet.

[Taylor Lewan]

We might get.

[Rob Gronkowski]

We could.

[Taylor Lewan]

We could get a little juice from FanDuel. Yeah, like we tell them. We get. We get done with the bus. We hit a fanduel. Hey, we want to put this boys parlay.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah. But I'm. I'm gonna put a. I'm. Put a little something on it now. And then I'm gonna go big when they give us that little juice.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah.

[Rob Gronkowski]

So I'm gonna do. I'm gonna do 300.

[Taylor Lewan]

There we go.

[Rob Gronkowski]

300 right there. 300. I'm gonna win 1400.

[Taylor Lewan]

Okay.

[Rob Gronkowski]

That's a bet right there. I'm feeling good. We're all feeling good about our teams.

[Will Compton]

About that. I'm thinking about this tear talk right now. Our tear talk today is going to be best movie couples. That's. That's what I'm hearing.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah.

[Will Compton]

Best movie couples, which is tough.

[Taylor Lewan]

I've thought about is. It's very hard.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I. I love, like, the outside football talk. I thrive. Football is great to talk about, but I can't talk too much. Football.

[Will Compton]

I really can't hang out. You're gonna talk about more than just football.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I love talking more than football. I Love off the field type.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Freaking conversations.

[Taylor Lewan]

My.

[Rob Gronkowski]

So what's this one?

[Taylor Lewan]

I'll kick it off with tear talk.

[Rob Gronkowski]

All right.

[Taylor Lewan]

You'll start.

[Will Compton]

Explain. Explain.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Tear talk is where what, I live.

[Taylor Lewan]

Four, tier three, Tier two. Tier one. You're ranking them three all the way.

[Rob Gronkowski]

We got honorable mention as well.

[Taylor Lewan]

You can throw in an honorable mention.

[Rob Gronkowski]

All right.

[Taylor Lewan]

And for an honorable mention, my first honorable mention is going to be Noah and Ally from the Notebook. It's a movie that will stand the test of time. Great love story. I do enjoy love. And sticking on the theme of love.

[Will Compton]

Enjoy love.

[Taylor Lewan]

I do enjoy love. I love a good tear jerk.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Love is the greatest drug out there.

[Taylor Lewan]

Amen. Amen. My tier three is going to be be Jerry and Holly from P. S. I love you. Great tearjerker movie right there. Great tearjerker movie where Jerry knows he's gonna die and he writes these little P.S. i love you notes. All throughout her life she finds them. It is a very great love story. My tier two is going to be Rocky and Adrian. One of the best proposals of all time. Where he says, hey, you know, what are you doing for the next 40 or 50 years? And she's like, I don't know why? And he's like, you. You wouldn't mind marrying me me too much. Anything, right? And she's like, huh? He's like, you wouldn't mind marrying me too much? She says, yes. Rocky, Adrian, great love story. That is my tier 2. My tier 1 is none other than Shrek and Fiona.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Oh, that's a good one.

[Will Compton]

Great one.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yes.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Oh, man, that's a good one.

[Taylor Lewan]

I've always watched the ogre they write, you know, it gets into the end. She loves Shrek. She doesn't want to be with the prince. She doesn't care to be the queen. And that is all time love story. That is my tier one.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I watched that with Camille last year for the first time and I'm in love. Love. I'm in love with Shrek.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah. Shrek is a great series.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Great, great movie.

[Taylor Lewan]

Have you watched all of them since.

[Rob Gronkowski]

You kind of like Shrek? Like in some comparisons.

[Will Compton]

Yeah.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I can't believe you didn't say that big.

[Taylor Lewan]

Well, I mean, I, you know, no homo. I think you're no pause. Really, too. I think you're a good looking cat.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Taylor Lewan]

Well, yeah.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah.

[Taylor Lewan]

You're not.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I'm an ogre in a way.

[Taylor Lewan]

You got some ogre tendencies.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah. There we go.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Shrunk. Shrunk. Kind of looks like me a little Bit.

[Will Compton]

So now we give one word to describe how we feel about Will's tear talk. I'll go first. Hyphenated. Saved it.

[Rob Gronkowski]

What was your one word?

[Will Compton]

Saved it.

[Rob Gronkowski]

That's two.

[Will Compton]

Hyphenated.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Oh, that's one. Spectacular. Oh, yeah.

[Taylor Lewan]

Thank you. Boys.

[Will Compton]

Boys. Yeah.

[Taylor Lewan]

Shrunk.

[Will Compton]

Lovely.

[Taylor Lewan]

Buzzer beater. Emotional. Money.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Strong.

[Will Compton]

Touching.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Wow.

[Taylor Lewan]

Thank you, boys. Thank you.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Wow. I was getting turned on from all those descriptions because you got that. Yeah.

[Taylor Lewan]

You got that rose spark in your system.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I really did feel it back. Back there. The emotions. A boy's emotions.

[Taylor Lewan]

Taylor, would you like to go second, or should we go? Do we want to throw it to grunt?

[Will Compton]

Go throw it to gr.

[Rob Gronkowski]

All right, so just best movie couples.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah.

[Rob Gronkowski]

All right. My honorable mention. I'm gonna go with my girlfriend and Channing Tatum in. In the movie. Oh, what was that movie that she was in? It was Free Guy and Free Guy. It was the opening scene.

[Taylor Lewan]

Okay.

[Rob Gronkowski]

It was really. It was really touching. So it's honorable mention because they weren't really dating, but, like, they kind of were. It was like going on a date, like the opening scene.

[Taylor Lewan]

It was kind of tough seeing your girl.

[Rob Gronkowski]

It was. It was. But I got to give an honorable mention.

[Taylor Lewan]

Like, he's a rocket.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah, I know he is.

[Taylor Lewan]

And he's got moves, bro. You talk about dancing.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I. I know. I wonder what happened behind the scenes. Yeah. So that's honorable mention. You got to see it. Free Guy. It's a great movie. She's not. She's the hot chick in the beginning in the car with Channing. Yeah, yeah, there they are right there.

[Taylor Lewan]

And that's a good.

[Rob Gronkowski]

She's badass. Yeah, that's a good one. It was a badass scene, so I got to give her some credit there. She did very well throughout that whole movie. And then I'll go with number three. I'll go with Justin Baldini and Blake Lively. And it ends with us. Yeah. I still haven't seen the movie, but it's talked about so much that I gotta, you know, put him in. In that ball game.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Of being top three. I mean, when you're talked about that much, it's got to be a power couple, you know, throughout the movie. It ends with us. So that's number three. Number two, tier two. I'll go with Shia LaBeouf. Is that how you say Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox in the Transformers one? Transformers one.

[Will Compton]

Great one.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah, that's. Yeah, that was excellent. Dude, who. Who doesn't love, you know, Transformers one and and they were like an ultra power couple in that movie. And number one, you know, it was a real life relationship at the time too. And also they made one of the best movies of all time. I'm a big action guy. Mr. And Mrs. Smith with Angela Jolie and Brad Pitt. Yes. All aspects of that category because I. They're real life. Relationship. Relationship. It was a relationship in the movie and it was also an action movie. And I love action movies. So that's number one by far for me.

[Taylor Lewan]

My word. Fireworks.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Is that two words? Is that fireworks combined or. Or with a little dash like fire. Dash works.

[Taylor Lewan]

Fireworks is one word.

[Rob Gronkowski]

It is one word. You're right. Yeah. Depends how you're using it. The way you're using. Just testing it.

[Will Compton]

Making sure my one word. Amazing. Boys.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Shrunk. Shrunk again.

[Will Compton]

Perfect.

[Taylor Lewan]

Incredible.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Strong.

[Taylor Lewan]

Hyphenated.

[Will Compton]

Gronk.

[Taylor Lewan]

Spike.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Okay, that's one word. Solid. Elite.

[Will Compton]

Oh, buddy, that was. And Mr. Smith is one. That's not on my list. Now if I could redo it, I probably would because it's so great, but I'm not going to take it. My tier three is going to go to Tess and Finn from Fool's Gold. That's played by Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey. Now in the beginning of the movie, they're getting divorced the whole movie. They're getting divorced towards the end. You'll have to watch it. Spoiler alert. They get back together. It's a beautiful one. And Matthew McConaughey looks phenomenal, that movie.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Not to mention I actually just read his book Green Light. I just finished it. Oh, very solid.

[Taylor Lewan]

So he's got a lot of any chance.

[Rob Gronkowski]

If you like to read books, read Matthew McConaughey.

[Will Compton]

Shout out Matthew McConaughey. My tier two is gonna go to Vanessa and Deadpool in the first movie. The passion that those two have with each other, trying to outdo each other and how bad their child childhoods are. They and get engaged with a. What is it? A ring Pop. And then all of a sudden the big C word comes and obviously we know how the whole entire movie goes. My tier one is gonna go to Jeremy Gray and John Beckwith from Wedding Crashers. You probably say Taylor has two guys. They weren't married. Life in business is like a marriage with your best friends. Those two working together tirelessly during wedding season to grab and stab all these other beautiful women is something that takes a lifelong friendship to achieve, which is a marriage. And that is why they are my tier one.

[Rob Gronkowski]

All right, I'll Go first. I'll say creative because of the of your tier one.

[Will Compton]

Thank you.

[Taylor Lewan]

Wham.

[Will Compton]

Greatest hits.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Mazel tov. Ring pop, silver medal. Those are, those are both two words.

[Will Compton]

Got to say hyphenated.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah, you got to to hyphenated. Third place.

[Taylor Lewan]

Boom, boom, boom.

[Will Compton]

How many.

[Taylor Lewan]

How many big booms?

[Will Compton]

How many booms?

[Taylor Lewan]

Three booms.

[Will Compton]

Okay. Boom, boom, boom. Great tear talk.

[Taylor Lewan]

Great tear talk.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Thank you.

[Will Compton]

You understood the assignment.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Like I said, man, outside of football, I love conversation like football. Can, you know, go for solo long, you know.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah.

[Will Compton]

We're up this episode to bring you true classic. Now listen, you're going to find true classic at Costco Nashville, June 13th. That's what you're going to find out. Also Sam's Club, Target or online at trueclassic.com forward/busin. They've done so well. They're doing a kids and women's line launch later this year. Now you might see me wearing the all black, my usual cartoon uniform right now. Grabs the shoulders, holds the chest in real nice. Can we get a. Can we get a wide, Mitch? I want to show them a little how they have flexible. This is so I got the left leg up here. I'm going to bring that down. I'm just going to bring that all the way there.

[Taylor Lewan]

Right there.

[Will Compton]

The only thing holding me back is my own flexibility. That's the only thing holding me back. You see that cheek back there, Will?

[Taylor Lewan]

That's very good mobility. Very good range by True Classic.

[Will Compton]

Great job. True classic. They look good. So you can play good. Let's get back to this episode.

[Taylor Lewan]

Here's a football. Here's a question. In the football world, however, I think it involves involves you being a student of the game and giving game to the fellow young ones out there. During the COVID year when a lot of things were virtual, you are. There's a story about you potentially wearing different T shirts while you're doing a sprint workout to send it in. Give some game to the young counts out there on how you game.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah, you gotta work smarter, not harder, boys. You know, that's what it's all about. And that's what you know, keeps you around a lot longer too is you can work as hard as you want, but if you're doing something that's making you insane and you just keep working hard at it, you're going to get more insane. Insane. Yeah, you know, but you gotta work smarter. So you're supposed to, you know, during COVID you were doing all the workouts at home and you had to send it into an app that you approved to prove that you were doing the workout. So you actually had to film yourself, like, benching and film yourself, you know, running the routes or running the sprints, but you didn't have to do the whole entire bench, like, it was like, your last set, or you would have to, you know, show, like, two of the runs that you were doing. So instead of filming myself running every time. Time, I just film my. So that day, you have 12 runs, so you got to show two of them. So instead of filling myself every single time to submit the runs, I brought out six different T shirts, and every two runs, I would switch my T shirt up and then film the whole entire run that day. And then I would submit those two runs with a different T shirt on every single time that those moments came up that I had to submit it. And so I tricked them. So I tricked them. So technically, maybe I didn't run that day then because I was like, I'll just use the video.

[Taylor Lewan]

I hit the band shot.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I tricked them.

[Will Compton]

When did you. Did you tell on yourself or did somebody ever find out?

[Rob Gronkowski]

I told on myself.

[Will Compton]

Fair.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Told the story to the reporters actually, that year. And then, like, once the haters, like, oh, Rob, what the. I got everyone hitting me up. You're an. He loved it, though. He thought it was great.

[Will Compton]

That is a funny, funny piece of game. Last question. Question. The Bud Light question. Everybody knows anybody. They would do anything for a Bud Light. What is one. One thing that Rob Gronkowski would do anything for? Can't say family.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Oh, well, my dog's technically family, right? Yeah, yeah. Girl is technically family.

[Will Compton]

Yeah.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah. So what would I do? Do anything for? Dang. You know, that's. That's a really good question. I would do anything to be happy at all times. 24. 7.

[Will Compton]

That would be something special. What about.

[Rob Gronkowski]

You can't go against that, right?

[Taylor Lewan]

Oh, yeah. No, I don't think so.

[Will Compton]

Yeah.

[Rob Gronkowski]

To be happy at all times.

[Will Compton]

What about playing your junior year of college?

[Rob Gronkowski]

Okay. All right. Physically. That's mentally. So now physically, I would go back. I would love to play my junior year in college. And also I. I transferred my senior year in high school. If I could somehow play that year that I played in Pittsburgh, but also play the year at my old, old high school as well. Yeah. So if I could, like, do double senior seasons in high school and play the year. My junior year in college. College at Arizona. Because you. Do you, like, when you leave, like, you miss your boy? Like, I left my boys like in high school, you know, I went to a different school. I was getting in trouble and stuff. There's a lot more to it. But then I went to Pittsburgh my senior year. But, like, you know, I, I'm still friends with all those guys, like, to this day. And like, you're leaving them, you know, I mean, it's for the better in the end. Like, it worked out for sure, but like, still, like, you wish you could. You know, you watch all the high school movies and every. Everything like Friday Night Lights and like you wish you could finish strong with the people you started with.

[Taylor Lewan]

Right.

[Rob Gronkowski]

But it work that way. And same with, you know, my third year, you know, at the University of Arizona. So I would do anything. You're right. Mentally to be happy at all times was. Being happy is great. Like, and energize and energize. And then physically go back and play those years.

[Will Compton]

I love it.

[Taylor Lewan]

What's something you weren't necessarily prepared for? Kind of, kind of came as a surprise, like during retirement. Like you're a guy, hall of Fame career, one of the best to ever do it. And you obviously tasted retirement that one year. And then you came back to Tampa Bay, but now you, you're like, officially retired. What's something you feel like you didn't necessarily see coming with retirement?

[Rob Gronkowski]

You know, being on a routine. You know, when you're playing ball and you're an athlete your whole life, you always have a routine. You got to be at practice. You gotta, you know, be in the film room. Like it's, it's there. Like you, it's handed to you like a, you know, a schedule every single day, that routine, you know what to do and get prepared for. And then once you retire, that routine's totally thrown out the window. It's kind of up to you now to schedule. Schedule. You know, when you're going to work out, when you're going to do this, when you're going to study all that good stuff. So just getting on a routine and when you totally get off of it as well it with you, you know, like, you're kind of like mentally weak sometimes. You're flying all over the place. You're not doing the right things, you're not getting your workouts in and all that good stuff. And you're just so used to doing all that, you know, on a continuous basis, even if you don't feel like it. You have to do it when you're an athlete because everyone else is doing it. You don't have that push around You. So that. That would. That's the tough spot, is getting that push, you know, to get to the next level. And also that routine of always, you know, being on the grind and getting things done. Yeah.

[Taylor Lewan]

Because when it snowballs, you're just laying there and you just get so mad at yourself for falling out of a routine.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah.

[Taylor Lewan]

Then you start talking to yourself, like, in ways. Like you said, like, I'm mentally weak. Like, I'm falling off.

[Will Compton]

Look what's happened to you. Look at an old photo of yourself. Like, that guy worked hard.

[Rob Gronkowski]

But you guys. You guys got it down, though. Like, look at you guys that keep each other accountable, I believe. Bet you know, doing the show, you got to get a routine on, you know, get prepared for it. You know, study up. Same thing with myself and Julian. We got our podcast Dudes on Dudes. So you got to prepare for that. Get mentally ready, kind of physically ready, too, because you want to be physically feeling good at all times. It keeps your mental game sharp. So you just got to find, you know, the guys out there that want to get on the same page with you and want to do that as well.

[Taylor Lewan]

What is it like diving into the podcast world, Would you, Jules?

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah, it's great. And what's great about it, Julian already had his podcast games with names. So, yeah, Julian was experienced. The podcast, I never thought it was, like, really for me. I always like going on people's podcasts, but I was like. I said no for, like, ever. I was like, I don't want to start my own podcast. But then once I went on Julian's, we had the chemistry. And then I saw that Julian can carry the load of the podcast, too. The load. We were just talking about that on Sunday Conversation. He's like, oh, Julian takes the whole load of the podcast. I was like, yeah. So that. So that just brought, you know, kind of triggered him my mind. But I was like, all right. So he's going to be like. He's going to be there to help me along and everything. And it's just great to have a teammate. So I was like, this is perfect. And his team around him was already experienced, everything set up ready to go right when you walk in. So I was like, I can do it now. And it was just the right fit. It's kind of like going to Tampa. Had to be the right fit.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah. Do you travel out there to do it each time you guys do the pod?

[Rob Gronkowski]

Well, I'm in LA all the time for the pregame for the Fox show, so we usually just Knock out an episode or two on, like, that Monday or Friday or something. Something. And now that it's off season, we get together. Like, we were just in Boston last week. We knocked out two episodes, but if we're not, we just do it over zoom.

[Taylor Lewan]

Gotcha.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah. So half of them right now in the off season are over zoom. The other half are when we can get in person whenever we can.

[Will Compton]

That's awesome.

[Taylor Lewan]

We got to get all the boys together.

[Will Compton]

Yeah. We can get the four of us in one room. That'd be awesome.

[Rob Gronkowski]

It really would be, dudes. It would be good stuff.

[Will Compton]

Gosh.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Are you guys. Basically, you guys are like football with a little all football with a little. Little everything else as well?

[Will Compton]

Yeah, I'd say, like, we probably 70% football. 70% in the offseason, too. Like, I mean, we have, like, comedians, musicians, like, all coaches, players, all the. All these different things.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah, that's what we were. We were basically off football in the first couple, though. And I was like, bro, I'm not all football. Like, I like, I can't. So now we're switching up with, like, fan questions that are like. Or that, like, tear talk that we just did with the movie couples. Like, we come up with segments like that now, too. And I'm like, this is way, way better. Like, football is great for half of it, but the other half, I wanted to just freelance what's going on, what you're doing at the moment, like, what you learned, like, new technique, new trick in life or whatever with new hack. Just whatever. Just go off. So not just all about football now. We're kind of blossoming more, like, because of it. Hot Topics, Whatever he's talking about right there. So football is great. I mean, but, like, to do it 24 7. I like. I like abroad of, you know, of everything.

[Will Compton]

I'm with you on that. Absolutely with you. Before we let Mr. Gronkowski go, does anybody have a question back there? They like to ask anybody. Feel free.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I thought that guy in the middle would ask me where I get my IVs from, even though we already brought it up. Where you guys get your IVs from, too? You talk about Nashville, so, yeah, he does do a good job. You know, I don't want to give him the credit, but he. He's good at, you know, he's seeking the credit, and he does rehydrate you well. So these unbelievable nurses there that work really hard, and they actually deserve all the credit. All the women nurses that he has hired. So absolutely arete in Nashville, they do get you hydrated and filled you up with the best vitamins in the game. It is those nurses. Yeah, the nurses. You run that company.

[Will Compton]

Run it, Run it. Yeah, they really do without the nurses.

[Taylor Lewan]

See all the work in the beginning, bro.

[Will Compton]

Where it started. See where it started. Yeah. Out. And Bobo, we do appreciate we for the show, you were talking about giving us all free IVs for like next two months. So I appreciate you saying.

[Rob Gronkowski]

I. I agree.

[Will Compton]

For the next couple months, man. That is awesome. Thank you, sir.

[Rob Gronkowski]

And if you're listening and, and you hear this, just walk in and say, hey, I heard you're giving out free IVs. Yeah, yeah. Yes on the Gronk episode is free IVs.

[Will Compton]

So that is big time.

[Rob Gronkowski]

You have to give out free iv.

[Will Compton]

Community.

[Rob Gronkowski]

You have to give it out. We're not saying nad a vitamin bag, the athlete bag, you have to give out if someone comes in.

[Will Compton]

But Gronk, you remember he was saying, you were saying that he was giving all of us nad for free.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah, we're getting nad, but they can get a. If you hear this, you can get a vitamin bag.

[Will Compton]

Yeah, for free.

[Rob Gronkowski]

We don't want to go bankrupt now.

[Will Compton]

No, no, just a, A bag. Get in there. Small bag.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Too small. No, small bag, big bag.

[Will Compton]

It's just fluid.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Fluid's 5 cents even though you get charged $100.

[Will Compton]

Gotta make a profit. Gotta make a profit.

[Taylor Lewan]

Margins are healthy.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah, it's like ice cream. Ice cream margins.

[Will Compton]

Ice cream margins. Jack, did you have a question?

[Rob Gronkowski]

Hey, I gotta. Yeah. When do. When do ice cream companies make their most amount of money? Yeah, like what month?

[Will Compton]

July.

[Taylor Lewan]

July?

[Rob Gronkowski]

No, June. See, that's what you think. It's actually May. It's like right when the weather blossoms because everyone wants to hurry up and get. Get there. I heard they make all their money for the whole year. Yes, June, July and August are great. But when it's truly packed, it's the first month that it just. The sun comes out. I learned that that's what, that's what I've been doing. That's crazy because everyone goes crazy. It's like when the weather's nice outside. How, how bazonkers is it outside? Wild.

[Will Compton]

The first walk around. Yeah.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Later in the summertime, you go out on Saturday. It's like, ah. People are like, oh, we've seen the sun every single day now.

[Will Compton]

Yeah, right.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Everyone goes ape when it's the first, you know, week of, of nice weather. Same with the ice cream world.

[Will Compton]

When it comes to. Comes to ice cream I don't discriminate on weather. I'll. I'll take down an ice cream in the middle of January. I love that stuff. Love it. Go ahead, Jackie. Was the Steve Harvey LEGO head spike scripted?

[Rob Gronkowski]

Damn. Damn. That's a good question. And everyone wants to know that. Actually, it's still talked about to this day. That was a legendary moment by far. We were hosting New Year's Eve on Fox, and I spiked a Steve Harvey Lego set of. Of. Of. Of his head, of his face. But what was scripted was that I was gonna spike it. Like, I knew I was spiking it. They had me in the script. Hey, Gronk, you're gonna spike the Steve Lab. Steve Harvey Legos. Not Steve Harvey. Steve. My names are all over the place. Steve.

[Taylor Lewan]

No, you're right.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Steve Harvey. Yeah, I'm getting him confused with another Steve. I know, but the Steve Harvey Lego said, hey, you're gonna spike it. So when I spiked it, that. That was kind of, you know, understood. Understood. That was kind of.

[Taylor Lewan]

Did he know it? Did Steve know it?

[Rob Gronkowski]

But his reaction was not scripted at all. And I'm not sure either if he knew I was going to spike it or not. I knew I was going to from the beginning. I'm not sure if he knew, but his reaction was priceless, man. Like, it felt like he was truly pissed, if he truly was. But how was.

[Taylor Lewan]

How was the dynamic after?

[Rob Gronkowski]

It was fine.

[Taylor Lewan]

Were you around him and he was.

[Rob Gronkowski]

He didn't bring it up after. Like, it was like, he was like, nice bike. But, like, he wasn't, like, off the screen. Like, why the. Did you do that? Yeah, no, no. Like, he acted like that, like, when it happened. I mean, he kind of got me scared. I was like, oh. Like, was I really supposed to do that or not? Like, he's pissed, but it was good. It was tv. It was one of my best movements, one of my best moments on TV of all time.

[Will Compton]

I love it. I love. Boys, we feel good.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Good. Any other questions back there? I know, but I don't like telling anyone that scripted because everyone truly believes it was, like, right on the spot. Like, I decided to do that.

[Will Compton]

Steve sells it. Yeah, he sells it big time.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yeah, he sold it that good. So, yeah, it was scripted, but it was kind of. It was unscripted. Scripted.

[Will Compton]

Unscripted. Scripted. Let's give Rob a round of applause, boys. Thank you for coming on the bus, dude.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Thank you, guys for having me, man. Busting with the boys. That's what's up, man. Thank you.

[Taylor Lewan]

We finally doing more with fandom.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Yes.

[Will Compton]

Oh yeah.

[Rob Gronkowski]

FanDuel is the best man.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah.

[Will Compton]

This fall is gonna be awesome. I can't wait for it.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah. Big hugs, tiny kisses.

[Rob Gronkowski]

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[Taylor Lewan]

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[Rob Gronkowski]

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[Taylor Lewan]

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[Rob Gronkowski]

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[Jack]

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