The UCLA Bruins and Boise State Broncos squared off in the LA Bowl, one of six Football Bowl Subdivision semifinal games that took place on Saturday. There was only one thing that made this game memorable: Rob Gronkowski.
Prior to Saturday night’s Starco Brands LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk against UCLA and Boise State at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium, Gronkowski assisted in singing the national anthem.
It was difficult to overlook how terribly off-pitch he was that particular day.
Gronkowski and the Los Angeles-based New Directions Veterans Choir performed a rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner to welcome the teams.
For the first time ever… @RobGronkowski sings the National Anthem at Starco Brands #LABowl Hosted By Gronk 🎤 pic.twitter.com/H2Nfyk5wXK
— Bucked Up LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk (@LABowlGame) December 17, 2023
The FOX football commentator earned a multi-year contract to host the game after previously serving as a guest host for New Year’s Eve in Times Square. Jimmy Kimmel, the host of the late-night talk show, will be replaced by the former Patriot and Buccaneer tight end, who called the game in 2021 and 2022.
In addition, Gronkowski assisted in overseeing the coin toss that started the game and emceed the trophy celebration.
One could argue that Gronkowski, 34, is the greatest tight end in NFL history. He has won four Super Bowls, been an All-Pro four times, and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s All-2010s team.
