Rob Gronkowski did not pretend his Bucked Up LA Bowl prediction came from film study or matchups. It came from loyalty. And maybe a little betrayal.
Standing at the podium inside SoFi Stadium on Friday, the four time Super Bowl champion and bowl game host smiled as he explained why his pick landed on Boise State.
“Washington is a very solid team,” said Gronkowski. “But I like Boise State.”
The reason followed quickly. Jedd Fisch, now the head coach at Washington, is a former Arizona head coach and a fellow Wildcat alum. To Gronkowski, Fisch leaving Tucson still carries a sting, even if it is delivered with a grin.
“I’ve got a good relationship with Coach Jedd Fisch,” Gronkowski said. “But he betrayed his alma mater Arizona.”
Gronkowski laughed immediately after saying it, making clear the comment came with humor rather than bitterness.
“I’m going to give him some garbage for it,” he added. “You’ve got to bust his chops a little bit.”
That playful shot set the tone for a press conference that felt more like a Gronk variety show than a traditional bowl preview. Gronkowski praised Boise State as a storied program, referenced their recent playoff appearance, and reminded everyone that one of the bowl’s most memorable moments came when he raced Boise State’s mascot dog Blitz and won.
“I was one of the only human beings to ever beat Blitz,” Gronkowski said, admitting he had planned to cheat with steak in his pocket just in case.
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That race will get one final chapter tonight. Gronkowski called it Blitz’s final run and hinted he may let the dog win as a retirement gift.
Beyond the jokes, Gronkowski also spoke sincerely about Fisch’s coaching ability. He credited Fisch for revitalizing Arizona and for bringing creativity and energy into college football. Gronk recalled the now famous helicopter drop catch that helped break a Guinness World Record and energized the Wildcats program.
“That’s what Jedd does,” Gronkowski said. “He brings the fun to the table. He knows what the players want.”
The conversation also turned to the future of the LA Bowl itself. The game is expected to conclude after a six year run, but Gronkowski made it clear he is not ready to close the book just yet.
“So far it is the final year of this game,” Gronkowski said. “It might be extended, we don’t know. We’re not really focused on that. We’re just focused on putting on the best show that we can.”
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