After helping the Edmonton Oilers to win the Stanley Cup four times, Wayne Gretzky’s popularity skyrocketed. In 2023, lesser-known incidents of The Great One’s popularity were disclosed by Gretzky’s teammate Tony Granato. Like Gretzky, Granato was also chosen to play for the L.A. Kings. Letting the ice hockey fans in for a treat, Granato pointed out Gretzky’s after-match indulgences that are not popularly known. 

In a podcast interview with the Spittin Chiclets, Granato shared that his roommate-cum-teammate Gretzky enjoyed his fair bit of fans’ meet-and-greet attempts after matches. Further, Granato accepted the fact that those experiences also had a learning curve. Read to know more! 

Tony Granato’s astonishing statements about Wayne Gretzky’s popularity and his genius 

“Wayne Gretzky was the biggest of the biggest stars there,” Granato spoke. Continuing, Granato narrated, “Our locker room post game was filled with super super Hollywood people.”  Relating fans’ desire to click pictures and meet Gretzky, Granato implied how Gretzky had become one of the most famous hockey celebrities. 

Later, Granato recounted how people who knew that Gretzky was his roommate would phone his hotel room every day hoping that Gretzky would answer the phone. Consequentially, such erratic behavior by fans made Granato take preventive measures to ensure that Gretzky’s privacy wasn’t disturbed.  “We’d have to put a do not disturb on our phone as soon as we got into every city”, Granato recalled.  

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He went on to talk about Gretzky’s off-court indulgences with the sport. After an L.A. Kings game, Gretzky described every detail of the game accurately. Adding, Granato admitted, “I learned more in those two or three hours post-game than you could ever imagine.”

Talks about Gretzky’s pop up every once in a while. Another instance of this popularity was when an NFL analyst praised an NFL player by giving Wayne Gretzky’s example.  

Popular NFL Analyst praises Joe Burrows by comparing him with Wayne Gretzky 

“He’s Wayne Gretzky on the football field”, NFL analyst Charles Davis complimented Joe Burrow. Further elaborating, Davis explained that like Wayne Gretzky, Joe Burrow also saw things and arrived at important places before other people in the game. 

Explaining, Davis spoke about how his father Walter Gretzky told Gretzky Jr. to see the game differently and end up where the puck will reach. After this, Davis reiterated that like Gretzky, Burrow also reached where football eventually ended up. Since Gretzky is considered to be one of the greatest hockey players, this served as a great tribute to Joe Burrow. 

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Do you consider Gretzky the most popular hockey player in NHL history? Share your views in the comments section.