Rob Gronkowski recently compared Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets star, to himself, highlighting a surprising resemblance in both appearance and movement during a podcast in May 2025. Gronkowski’s playful remarks about Jokic, which intertwined admiration with humor, brought attention to the unique connection between a football legend and an NBA champion, sparking conversations about Nikola Jokic compared to Rob Gronkowski appearance.
Rob Gronkowski Sees a Doppelganger in Nikola Jokic During Playoff Discussion
During a Dudes on Dudes podcast episode, Rob Gronkowski and co-host Julian Edelman talked about the Denver Nuggets’ NBA playoff performance, focusing on Nikola Jokic’s leadership on the court. Gronkowski expressed admiration for Jokic’s skill and physicality, noting that the basketball player has a size advantage but shares similar movements with him.
I love Jokic… The way he moves—he’s even bigger than me. But we got similar movements.
—Rob Gronkowski
Gronkowski’s appreciation quickly shifted from Jokic’s athleticism to his physical features. He humorously observed that Jokic resembles a “less handsome” version of himself, specifically mentioning a shared prominent nose.
The way he looks… He’s gotta big nose, I gotta big nose. I don’t wanna say this, but he’s kind of an uglier version of me.
—Rob Gronkowski
Despite poking fun at Jokic’s looks, Gronkowski emphasized that physical appearance does not affect his fondness for the Nuggets star. He lightheartedly suggested that if he were a woman, he would still be interested in dating Jokic.
I would still date [Jokic], like if I was a hot chick.
—Rob Gronkowski
Insights on the New England Patriots’ Quarterback Situation and Coaching Changes
Shifting focus from basketball to football, Gronkowski and Edelman discussed the current state of the New England Patriots, highlighting the transition following Tom Brady’s departure. Drake Maye, a quarterback drafted from North Carolina last year, is now leading the Patriots but has yet to reach his full potential in the NFL.
With former player Mike Vrabel appointed as the new head coach and Josh McDaniels returning as offensive coordinator, the Patriots are working to restore the winning culture from their dynasty years. Vrabel’s previous success with the Tennessee Titans, including turning Ryan Tannehill into an MVP-caliber player in 2019, gives hope that Maye could develop under his guidance.
Gronkowski expressed cautious optimism about Maye’s future but did not anticipate an immediate breakout season for the quarterback in 2025.
Drake Maye’s a great quarterback [and] has a good team around him now. I can see him being a top-five candidate for MVP in the future, maybe in year three, four, five, or something along those lines. He’s not gonna be a top-five candidate this year.
—Rob Gronkowski
Edelman added a note of realism, suggesting patience as the team works toward playoff qualification before considering MVP prospects.
Let’s pump the brakes—let’s just try to make the playoffs before we talk about MVP.
—Julian Edelman
Maye’s current odds to win the MVP award stand at 66/1, aligning with the perspective of these former Patriots teammates. With distractions such as Joe Milton no longer a factor, Maye has a clearer path to focus on his performance. The Patriots’ upcoming schedule, considered relatively manageable, includes preseason games against Washington Commanders, Minnesota Vikings, and New York Giants, with the regular season opener set at home against the Las Vegas Raiders on September 7.
Significance of Gronkowski’s Remarks and the Intersection of Sports Personalities
Rob Gronkowski’s humorous comparison between himself and Nikola Jokic provides a rare crossover moment between football and basketball, emphasizing camaraderie and respect among athletes from different sports. While the remarks were lighthearted, they also highlight the admiration Gronkowski has for Jokic’s athleticism and leadership.
Additionally, the discussion about the Patriots’ evolving quarterback situation reflects the challenges and expectations facing young NFL talent under new coaching leadership. Vrabel’s track record suggests a potential turning point for the franchise, with Drake Maye’s growth central to that progress.
As the NBA playoffs continue and the NFL preseason approaches, sports fans can look forward to seeing how these athletes develop, both on the court and the field, while enjoying moments of levity like Gronkowski’s unexpected comparison that blends athletic prowess with witty personality.