Rob Gronkowski has an issue with his portrayal in FX’s American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez.
The 10-episode limited series based on the rise and fall of NFL tight end Aaron Hernandez has actors playing some of the most notable people in his New England Patriots career, including coach Bill Belichick, owner Robert Kraft, quarterback Tom Brady, and fellow tight end Rob Gronkowski.
According to the real-life Gronk, TV show Gronk is a bit much.
“It was definitely over the top,” Gronkowski said on Up and Adams. “And you want to know a fun fact about that clip? That is my good friend Laith [Wallschleger] who is playing me there. I’ve known him for about 14 years, and he definitely went overboard.”
Take a look for yourselves:
I asked @RobGronkowski about the viral gronk actor clip from the FX show..
we watched it twice. 🙂
Backstory here: pic.twitter.com/whqASbUk90
— Kay Adams (@heykayadams) October 10, 2024
Gronkowski wasn’t offended by any means. He said that artistically it worked, despite it being a little exaggerated for his tastes.
“I feel like it just fit the show perfectly though,” he added. “Especially with all the other characters and Coach [Bill] Belichick, just seeing Robert Kraft in the show as well …”
Wallschleger also plays Gronkowski’s body double in other projects and commercials, such as FanDuel’s Kick of Destiny.
Gronkowski wanted to make one thing clear though. Despite being his double, the two men are not identical.
“He’s shorter though than me,” he said. “He’s not as jacked as me either, that’s for sure — and he’s not as sweet as me, he’s all right.”
One thing Gronk admits is that Wallschleger definitely nailed his laugh.
About Jessica Kleinschmidt
Jess is a baseball fan with Reno, Nev. roots residing in the Bay Area. She is the host of "Short and to the Point" and is also a broadcaster with the Oakland A's Radio Network. She previously worked for MLB.com and NBC Sports Bay Area.