American sports history cannot resist becoming a comedy with Rob Gronkowski’s appearance

Warning: Spoilers ahead for American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez Episode 5, “The Man.”American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez is far from a comedy, but the introduction of the fictionalized version of the show of the title character’s fellow tight end meant that the bioseries had no choice but to change course a little. Rob “Gronk” Gronkowski is one of many real NFL players to be portrayed in American Sports Story. The athlete’s fun-loving reputation needed to be authentically put across, or including the character would have been a bit pointless. While he does not have a huge role in these American Sports Story Season 1 cast, the actor who plays him certainly makes an impact.

American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez‘s approach to documenting the main character’s personal and professional life means many real figures are brought into the action. While Gronk may not have been a huge part of Hernandez’s personal lifeTheir time together on the field cannot be ignored. So, Gronk’s debut in American Sports Story Episode 5 is a huge milestone in Hernandez’s overall story.

American Horror Story episode 5 has a comedic tone thanks to the introduction of Rob Gronkowski

“The Man” wouldn’t make sense if it stayed super serious throughout

Of course, American Sports Story‘s creative choices have largely highlighted the dramatic aspects of Aaron Hernandez’s arc. His various struggles, bad decisions, and drastic mistakes made a lot of laughs from the show – although this is not really its purpose. however, The arrival of Gronk resulted in the project having to capitulate In his tone. His larger-than-life attitude and jokester personality smacks of every aspect of “the man” they touch. To not bend the show’s formula to Gronk’s presence would have resulted in a very confusing atmosphere.

Of course, “the man” does not completely refuse American Sports Storys theater, however Gronk’s scenes are a huge departure from moments like Aaron’s holding Derek at gunpoint.. The disparity in tone between the various sequences with and without Gronk elevates them as well. By the time Gronk shows up, some comic relief is very much in demand. Similarly, the funnier parts of the episode make the darker scenes that much more impactful since they’re separated by mere moments at a time. Overall, Gronk’s debut makes “The Man” about as lighthearted as the show can be believable.

Who plays Rob Gronkowski in American Sports Story

Gronk is played by Leith Walschlager

The legendary tight end is played by actor and former football player Laith Wallschleger. After his college career as a Delaware Fighting ‘Blue Hen, Wallschleger was very close to playing in the NFL But ultimately, the 53-man roster didn’t pan out after being dropped by the Arizona Cardinals after the 2015 preseason. therefore, American Sports Story Essentially giving Wallschleger his NFL debut. Despite never going pro, the actor’s time as a football player has clearly given him the tools he needs to play an athlete with Gronk’s level of bravado.

Wallschleger’s portrayal of Rob Gronkowski went viral due to how accurately he embodied the tight end. As well as clearly having the ability to play Gronk, Wallschleger’s acting career also prepared him to step into the role. interesting, American Sports Story It’s not the first time he has a fictitious tie to the New England Patriots organization. Wallscheleger played an offensive coach in the 2023 sports comedy movie, 80 for Brady. He also had small roles in shows such as The rookie, NCISAnd 9-1-1.

Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski’s time as NFL teammates explained

Gronk & Hernandez are rare in their success with a two-headed tight end attack

Gronkowski and Hernandez were both taken by the New England Patriots in the 2010 NFL Draft. Chosen in the second round, Gronk was one of five tight ends taken before Aaron Hernandez. Despite Hernandez’s obvious talent, making him a potential first-round draft pick, his off-the-field issues meant he fell to the fourth round. Regardless, then-head coach Bill Belichick used both of his new offensive weapons prominently. Gronk and Hernandez are both adept receivers and blockers – A rarity for tight ends, a position that often favors one skill over another.

Both players were often on the field simultaneously, which created matchup nightmares for the opposing team’s defense. With two elite tight ends in the formation, it became incredibly difficult to stop the Patriots’ passing attack. As shown in “The Man,” Belichick even started putting Hernandez in the backfield, which added to the unpredictability factor. When Hernandez was jailed after his third and final season, Gronk dominated the NFL And went on to become one of the greatest tight ends of all time – although that’s not particularly significant given the larger story of American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez.