Rob Gronkowski, the celebrated four-time Super Bowl champion, is known for his exceptional talent on the football field, particularly during his time with the New England Patriots. His dedication to the sport was apparent through his intense work ethic, long practice hours, and countless hours spent analyzing game tape. However, beyond the gridiron, Gronkowski had a surprisingly laid-back passion that provided a stark contrast to his rigorous training regimen.
This passion? Video gaming, specifically the popular mode in the “Call of Duty” franchise: Zombies. In a recent episode of “Dudes on Dudes,” Gronkowski opened up about his gaming obsession during his playing days, revealing how he would eagerly anticipate finishing team meetings to dive into the action-packed world of endless waves of the undead.
“I used to run home right after team meetings,” Gronkowski recalled with a chuckle. He elaborated on his routine, stating, “Practice ends at like 2:30, and then you go into meetings from 3:30 to 4:30 to watch film. We’d be cut from the stadium at 4:30, and I’d literally run home so I could get on the couch with Nasty Nate Dog.”
Once he was settled, Gronkowski maintained a near-military schedule with his gaming. “We would put on Zombies and play from 4:35 — the moment I got home — to like 10:30 at night, and then go to bed and do it again the next day,” he shared.
His co-host and former teammate, Julian Edelman, could hardly contain his amusement as Gronk recounted this routine. “Yeah, that’s NFL life,” Edelman quipped, perfectly capturing the juxtaposition between the demanding life of a pro athlete and the simple joy of gaming.
Gronkowski’s candidness about his downtime highlights a relatable side of athletes often overshadowed by their on-field performances. It underscores the importance of finding balance and enjoyment outside of a demanding career, showing that even the most dedicated players can let loose and indulge in their passions.