Rob Gronkowski says football was better when NFL coaches were fat

In a world where NFL coaches are starting to look more like linebackers than clipboard-holding legends, Rob Gronkowski just went full throwback mode. The four-time All-Pro tight end popped off with a hilarious (and kinda nostalgic) take: he misses the days when NFL coaches were chunky, round-bellied sideline icons, not shredded gym bros. And yes, he’s absolutely serious... in a Gronk sort of way.


On a recent episode of the Dudes on Dudes podcast with his longtime buddy Julian Edelman, Gronkowski did what he does best—dropped some chaos with a smile. While reflecting on today’s NFL, he said one thing just doesn’t sit right: the coaches are too fit.
“They're looking like they've been working out with the players, throwing some routes, going for jogs, We need coaches to get fat again,” says Gronk with zero hesitation.
He went on to say that football is missing those larger-than-life (and larger-in-size) sideline generals—guys who looked like they crushed burgers, not bench presses
He even referenced Danny Amendola, who briefly coached with the Raiders, saying they wanted him to bulk up just to look more like the classic coach archetype. According to Gronk, there’s something comforting about a coach with a belly, someone who’s all heart, strategy, and snacks. In his mind, a little extra weight meant wisdom, grit, and a true football brain.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Gronk if he didn’t stir things up a little more. He joked that today’s fitness trend among coaches might be thanks to Ozempic—the popular weight-loss medication that’s been making waves in Hollywood and beyond.
“Ozempic should be on the PED list for coaches,” he laughed. “We need them fat again. It makes football better.”
Only Gronk could say something this wild with such charm.
He’s not actually out here calling for a “no salads for coaches” campaign. He’s just reminding fans of a time when NFL sidelines had a different kind of energy—a little less muscle, a little more meatball sub.
In an NFL that’s evolving fast, on the field, off the field, and now apparently in the gym. It's nice to know that Gronk is still Gronk. Whether he’s trolling fit coaches or campaigning for the return of the dad bod, he’s always going to bring the laughs. And honestly? In a sport full of drama, trades, and serious headlines, a little Gronk-style silliness is exactly what we need.
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