Basketball is back in Tucson and Rob Gronkowski, an Arizona football legend (2007-’09), was in on the fun of the annual Red and Blue Showcase on Friday night.
He started his shenanigans at McKale Center as a prop in the dunk contest after Anthony Dell’Orso was crowned 3-point king.
Redshirt-sophomore guard Addison Arnold barked out signals as if he were Gronk’s longtime QB Tom Brady and took a snap of a football from the four-time Super Bowl champion.
It was no Dwight Howard Superman attempt from the free throw line, but Arnold was able to slam the pigskin home after completing a one-handed leap and finish over a nearly upright Gronk — who stands at 6-foot-6.
After flexing a bit and taking in the raucous crowd, Arnold obliged a signal from Gronk this time, and slammed down the football like the great tight end always did following each of his 107 career NFL touchdowns.
Gronk is feeling that McKale Magic 💫 #dunkcontest pic.twitter.com/Vjc9dvk7JB
— Arizona Basketball (@ArizonaMBB) October 4, 2025
With the pregame show out of the way, Gronk shed his street clothes and suited up for the Blue team in the second half.
He didn’t merely put on a navy Wildcats jersey with his college number 48 on the front and pro number 87 on the back.
He transformed into Rocky Gronkstone.
Tempers ran hot for the surprise addition to a squad already loaded with the highly touted freshman Koa Peat and senior Jaden Bradley.
In fact, it only took just over a minute on the court for Gronk to be ejected. To the delight of coach Tommy Lloyd and the rest of the crowd.
After a technical foul, Rocky Gronkstone has been EJECTED from the Red and Blue Showcase!😧 pic.twitter.com/b17wY7DKfM
— Arizona Basketball (@ArizonaMBB) October 4, 2025
And how did he respond? With his signature ball slam.
He walked off the court with eyebrows furrowed and a mean look, but Gronk nonetheless high-fived some hands like a good sport.
The natural entertainer had exited stage left.
