Former New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has joined the conversation around the Kansas City Chiefs and their alleged favoritism from NFL referees.
Gronkowski’s remarks came during an appearance on the “Up & Adams Show” with host Kay Adams.
Video of Travis Kelce looking distant on Chiefs sideline while Taylor Swift missed the game
Gronkowski doesn’t mince his words on NFL refs
Where the NFL legend was asked whether the Chiefs receive more favorable officiating than the Patriots did during their own reign of dominance, Gronkowksi offered an honest take.
“I would say so,”Gronkowski responded.
He continued, “I didn’t really get calls. I was double-teamed… I was basically executed off the line of scrimmage half the time. And five yards into the route, then they would call pass interference on me when I was trying to get the guy off of me.”
Gronkowski, who won three Super Bowls during his nine seasons with the Patriots, added, “Yeah, the Chiefs get way more calls than the Patriots! I don’t even remember getting calls… The guys used to jump on my back and the ball would be thrown to me, and there would be nothing called. Tom [Brady] might’ve gotten some calls though,” he added with a smile.
Referees continue to be a hot topic for NFL fans
These comments come in the wake of heightened scrutiny toward the Chiefs, who have faced repeated claims of receiving advantageous calls from referees this season.
After Kansas City’s recent victory over the Atlanta Falcons, a controversial no-call in the fourth quarter led fans to criticize officiating, with many arguing that the Chiefs continue to benefit from missed penalties.
One particular play, involving Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts, drew significant attention.
Fans were outraged after a Kansas City defender was not flagged for what appeared to be pass interference, a penalty that could have led to a crucial touchdown.
In response to the uproar, referee Tra Blake defended his crew’s decision, stating, “That is a real-time call that officials have to make a judgment on. From the angle that they had at the time, they did not feel that there was a foul committed.”
Gronkowski’s comments also spark a broader conversation about whether some teams, particularly those led by star quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, receive preferential treatment from officials.
Although there’s no definitive way to prove such claims, the accusations have certainly stirred debate among fans and analysts alike.
While some may brush off Gronkowski’s remarks as playful banter, they highlight a long-standing tension between fans, players, and officials over the integrity of game-time decisions.
The Chiefs are set to play the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday afternoon at SoFi Stadium as part of Week 4’s slate of games.
