Rob Gronkowski brought his trademark energy and larger-than-life personality to the Racing Capital of the World as he served as grand marshal of the Indy 500 Coors Light Snake Pit on May 25. Known for his lively, laugh-out-loud presence on FOX NFL Sunday, the four-time Super Bowl champion lit up the infield with the same charisma that made him a fan favorite on and off the football field. Making his first-ever appearance at the Indianapolis 500, Gronk didn’t just show up. He took over, setting the tone for an electrifying day of speed and sound. Now,

After his first retirement in 2019, Gronk dipped a toe into the FOX waters, debuting as an analyst on Fox NFL Thursday. That same year, he was dancing in Times Square, co-hosting FOX’s New Year’s Eve special with Steve Harvey. Classic Gronk equal parts football and spectacle.

And he didn’t stop there. Over the next few years, he turned his post-NFL life into a patchwork of pure entertainment. Now? Gronk’s back where he started, but with a whole new kind of headline. FOX is sliding him into the studio full-time, officially replacing the legendary Jimmy Johnson on FOX NFL Sunday. That’s not just a shift in personnel. That’s a cultural pivot.

The 33rd Team’s Ari Meirov reported on X: “FOX also announced that with Jimmy Johnson now retired, Rob Gronkowski will officially replace him in the studio, joining Curt Menefee, Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long, and Michael Strahan on the desk.”

For decades, Jimmy was the rock, gritty, old-school, wise-cracking. He gave the desk its roots. With him stepping away, FOX isn’t just filling a chair. They’re reshaping the vibe. And Gronk brings something no one else can, unfiltered, unpredictable, undeniably entertaining football energy. The man has a mouthpiece for sure.

Of course, this isn’t just about filling airtime between kickoffs. FOX knows exactly what they’re doing.

Rob Gronkowski brings more firepower to the GOAT ensemble

They’ve already gone all-in with Tom Brady on the No. 1 broadcast team. Now they’re doubling down on personality in the studio, too. With Curt Menefee steering the ship, and a crew that already includes Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long, and Michael Strahan, adding Gronk is like tossing a wild card into an already stacked deck.

He might not be good with words, but always gives honest advice. Even with four Super Bowl rings between them, Rob Gronkowski didn’t hold back when asked about Tom Brady’s long-awaited FOX debut last year. “Definitely a rookie performance,” Gronk quipped on Up & Adams, comparing his old QB to a hyped No. 1 overall pick with some nerves to shake off.

While he acknowledged Brady made some sharp calls, Gronk didn’t sugarcoat it. “He’s got a lot to learn.” But it wasn’t a roast. Gronk challenged the idea that Brady should be just another casual voice in the booth, saying fans deserve the film-room Brady, the one breaking down defenses, not beers. It was a rare bit of tough love from Gronk, but the kind only a longtime teammate can get away with.

Now, it’s Gronk time. Is he polished? No. Will he break down a zone blitz in 18 steps? Probably not. But does he make you want to lean in on a sleepy Sunday morning and watch? Absolutely. From dancing in a tiger suit to anchoring FOX’s NFL centerpiece, Gronk’s journey has been anything but typical. And now, with the lights back on and the cameras rolling, he’s making waves all over again.