For years, Rob Gronkowski has graced television screens across the country showing off his pass-catching skills in the NFL, but on Saturday night, he cranked things up a notch.
The former Patriots tight end hosted the LA Bowl between UCLA and Boise State in SoFi Stadium on Saturday, and Gronk had a planned surprise for all those in attendance.
Gronkowski, who retired from the NFL in 2022, was announced as the new host of the LA Bowl in October, taking over Jimmy Kimmel’s position. Whereas Kimmel trotted out the infamous vomiting camel to keep college football fans entertained, Gronk stepped up to the mic in a pregame ceremony and sang the national anthem, accompanied by the New Directions Veterans Choir.
Listen to his unique voice for yourself:
For the first time ever… @RobGronkowski sings the National Anthem at Starco Brands #LABowl Hosted By Gronk 🎤 pic.twitter.com/H2Nfyk5wXK
— Starco Brands LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk (@LABowlGame) December 17, 2023
The four-time Super Bowl champ is set to host several activities to hype up his namesake LA Bowl, from participating in dance-offs during the game to handling the trophy presentation at the end of the night. Gronkowski is even rolling out his own alcoholic drink called “Gronk’s Cooler,” made of bourbon and strawberry lemonade with an optional add-on of vodka-infused whipped cream, per The Los Angeles Times.
Out of all the fanfare, though, the zaniest part of the LA Bowl thus far might be Gronk singing the anthem.
Adolfo Romero, the interim executive director of the LA Bowl, told the LA Times earlier this week, “Rob is one-of-a-kind. He was full of creative ideas to enhance the bowl game for fans and put his mark on it as the host. When he expressed interest in singing the national anthem, we knew this could be a special moment for everyone in attendance.”
Fans at SoFi Stadium right now would probably use a few different words other than “special.”
The LA Bowl is underway with the Bruins currently losing to the Broncos 9—7.
