Rob Gronkowski, a former New England Patriots tight end, has joined the discourse about the Kansas City Chiefs’ apparent bias from NFL officials.
Gronkowski made the statements while appearing on the “Up & Adams Show” with host Kay Adams.
Gronkowski doesn’t mince his words on NFL refs
When asked if the Chiefs enjoy more favorable officiating than the Patriots did during their own time of dominance, Gronkowski provided an honest answer.
“I would say so,” Gronkowski replied.
He continued, “I didn’t get many calls. I got double-teamed… I got executed off the line of scrimmage about half of the time. And five yards into the route, they’d call pass interference on me as I tried to pull the guy off of me.”
Gronkowski, who won three Super Bowls with the Patriots over nine seasons, said, “Yeah, the Chiefs get a lot more calls than the Patriots!” I don’t remember receiving calls… The boys used to jump on my back, throw the ball to me, and there was no call. “Tom [Brady] may have received some calls, though,” he continued with a smirk.
4x SB Champ @RobGronkowski says the #Chiefs get "WAY MORE" calls than the Patriots did during their dynasty đđ
"I was basically executed off the line of scrimmage half the time." đ@heykayadams pic.twitter.com/WRELGWSHEk
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) September 25, 2024
Referees continue to be a hot topic for NFL fans
These remarks come in the midst of increased scrutiny of the Chiefs, who have faced numerous allegations of obtaining favorable decisions from referees this season.
Following Kansas City’s recent victory over the Atlanta Falcons, a disputed no-call in the fourth quarter prompted supporters to criticize refereeing, with many claiming that the Chiefs continue to benefit from missed penalties.
One specific play involving Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts received a lot of attention.
Fans were angry when a Kansas City defender was not called for what appeared to be pass interference, a penalty that could have resulted in a vital touchdown.
In reaction to the uproar, referee Tra Blake defended his crew’s decision, saying, “That is a real-time call that officials must make a decision on.” They did not believe there was a foul committed from their vantage point at the time.”
Gronkowski’s comments have sparked a broader debate about whether some teams, particularly ones led by talented quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, are given preferential treatment by referees.
Although there is no conclusive method to substantiate such claims, the allegations have sparked debate among fans and pundits alike.
While some may dismiss Gronkowski’s comments as casual banter, they illustrate a long-standing disagreement among fans, players, and officials about the integrity of game-time decisions.
The Chiefs will play the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday afternoon at SoFi Stadium as part of the Week 4 schedule.
