Growing up in a house with five boys, Rob Gronkowski’s mom made sure every game, every school event, every moment was covered. And the result? All of them became pro athletes. “I definitely wouldn’t be here without her,” Rob Gronkowski once said about his mom, Diane. Gronk also referred to her as a “superstar mom” on Mother’s Day in 2023, citing her unending support and care. Clearly, for him, honoring his mother has always been more than just a ritual; it’s an expression of love. And, once again, his message on his mom’s 64th birthday shared the same sentiment, but with a humorous touch that only a mother and son could have.

Rob celebrated Diane’s birthday on September 24 in a unique style. Taking to his Instagram, he wrote: “Happy Birthday to my momma @therealmommagronk, always there for me and always making the best chicken souffle!!”. His message was simple, yet touching and generous. But behind the humor was genuine appreciation for the woman who shaped Rob Gronkowski. However, that’s not the only thing people are talking about.

Later, the special day’s celebration spilled onto Up & Adams. Rob called Diane into the interview with his trademark grin. “Hey, Momma Gronk, come on over! We’re talking about you already,” he said. The tough NFL star instantly became a slightly embarrassed son. He laughed about the green spatula Diane used on him as a kid. Then his tone softened when he spoke about the impact of his mom on his life.

“She’s the best mother of all time,” he continued. “ She raised five sons, and she did a great job….got me to all my practices and games. She got me to where I am today, Kay!” With this, it’s clear her love and dedication shaped him. Gronk wanted to make his mom’s birthday truly special.

“She’s flown private plenty of times before, but she’s never flown first class,” he said as Gronk wanted this one to be quite different. “So I made it a first-class birthday for her, and I got her two tickets to kinda wherever she wants to go.” But there was one special condition. “I told her she has to go to NYC for Christmas to enjoy the lights and all the snow.” Indeed, Diane’s smile said it all, reflecting love and recognition. But the birthday fun wasn’t all sweetness. Mom also had a funny trick up her sleeve that left Gronk squirming on live TV.

Mom embarrasses Rob Gronkowski on live TV

Even champions have to bow to Mom. On Up & Adams, Diane reminded everyone that no matter how tough you are on the field, nothing beats a mother’s playful authority. When she reenacted smacking Rob with the green spatula from his childhood on Live TV, the NFL legend couldn’t help but laugh and squirm. “A lot of it was just that he never stopped,” Diane said, smiling. While explaining what Rob did to earn a smack, she said, “He always had to be the entertainer, and he wouldn’t stop. I’m like, ‘I’m exhausted, just stop.’”

Rob joined the humor, joking about how those early lessons helped him on the field. “That’s why I couldn’t feel the hits in the NFL,” he laughed. “Because my mom got me ready.” Fans loved seeing this side of Gronk, humbled and teased by his own mother. Soon after, Up & Adams posted his spatula moment with his mom. It went viral in no time. The show’s official X post mentioned, “Gronk just got spanked by his mom @UpAndAdamsShow.”  And, after this, the internet users couldn’t stop laughing.

However, it wasn’t just about humor. Diane’s comic tease showed the closeness at the heart of the mom and son’s relationship. Indeed, her humorous yet disciplined side has shaped all her sons, many of whom followed athletic paths.