Rob Gronkowski’s decision was made by Fox NFL after an apology from Terry Bradshaw | Other | sport

Rob Gronkowski will be missing from Fox’s Week 12 NFL Sunday coverage after Terry Bradshaw publicly apologized to the New England Patriots icon.

Dallas Cowboys legend Jimmy Johnson will fill in for Gronkowski on the show, the broadcaster announced on social media.

This came after Pittsburgh Steelers legend Bradshaw was forced to apologize live on air after jokingly attacking fellow analyst Gronkowski.

The former four-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback was discussing the Detroit Lions’ victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars when he incorrectly suggested that Gronkowski was a stand-in on the show and not a regular analyst.

Bradshaw had indicated that the former tight end would temporarily replace Johnson, who had been given time off. That remark sparked a sharp reaction from Gronkowski and fellow pundit Michael Strahan, who replied: “He’s not jumping in, he’s here the whole time.”

Gronkowski also chimed in: “Wow, yeah, I’m part of the show, Terry.”

Bradshaw quickly backed down and said, “Okay, I made a mistake. Alright, I apologize Gronk, you know I love you.”

While Gronkowski is considered a contributor rather than a regular analyst for the Fox network, he has worked full-time for the network since 2022.

He stepped in for Johnson this week when the 81-year-old was given time off.

It appears Gronkowski has been granted a break as Week 12 host Curt Menefee and analysts Bradshaw, Johnson, Strahan, Howie Long and Jay Glazer are on the program.

It remains unclear whether Gronkowski’s absence from the show is related to Bradshaw’s earlier mishap, but fans can rest assured that the four-time Super Bowl champion will be back on Fox’s screen soon.