Gronkowski Backs Patriots Raiders Clash and Praises Romeo Doubs

The New England Patriots' improving performances and Tom Brady's ownership stake in the Las Vegas Raiders have created an intriguing NFL storyline, according to former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski. Speaking about the upcoming matchup, Gronkowski highlighted the Raiders' defensive strength, their developing offense and the unusual connection between his former teammate and New England's opponent.

Gronkowski discussed the game with The U.S. Sun at the 41st Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner in New York City on October 5. At the time of his comments, Las Vegas held a 3-1 record after a disappointing 2025 campaign, while the Patriots were seeking greater consistency early in the 2026 season.

Gronkowski identified the Raiders' performance on both sides of the ball as a reason to expect a competitive contest.

"That’s going to be a good game; it really is," Gronkowski said.

The Raiders had shown progress on offense with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins directing the unit, while their defense had also impressed Gronkowski. Those developments added significance to a matchup involving Brady, who spent nearly two decades with New England before continuing his playing career with Tampa Bay.

"And also [with] Tom, being Mr. Patriot that he is but also having some ownership in the Raiders, this is going to be a rivalry," Gronkowski said. "I’m excited to watch. I’m excited to see a good game."

Brady won six Super Bowls with the Patriots and another with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers alongside Gronkowski. In October 2024, Brady became an approved limited partner of the Raiders, acquiring a 5% stake in the franchise. He also works as Fox Sports' lead NFL game analyst, a role subject to restrictions addressing potential conflicts of interest arising from his ownership position.

Separately, Gronkowski praised Patriots wide receiver Romeo Doubs following New England's surprising victory over the Buffalo Bills at the new Highmark Stadium. Doubs recorded 58 receiving yards and two touchdowns, his first scores of the season, helping quarterback Drake Maye deliver an encouraging performance after a difficult start to the campaign.

Speaking on the Up & Adams Show, Gronkowski credited New England's offensive execution and the receivers' ability to get open. He singled out Doubs' work on both scoring plays as evidence of improved confidence and route-running.

"The team helped him [Maye] big time. McDaniel was calling some great plays. Also, the wide receivers were getting open.

For example, Romeo Doubs on those two touchdowns. I didn't think Romeo Doubs had this in him, but he showed confidence at the top of the route, finishing the play," Gronkowski said.

Doubs' performance was particularly notable because Maye was still playing without his top wide receiver, A.J. Brown, who suffered an injury in the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks. The Patriots were optimistic that Brown could return for Week Six, according to the source report.

Gronkowski also explained how Doubs created separation on a scoring play despite tight coverage, allowing Maye to place the ball effectively.

"The way that he scored on the fade route, the cornerback was draped all over him, but he gave the little booster right at the end to get open, and Drake Maye led him. That's the type of confidence and quality of routes that Drake Maye needs so he can go out there and place the ball, complete passes, and score touchdowns," Gronkowski said.

The Patriots' victory over Buffalo offered Maye and the offense an opportunity to build momentum after an inconsistent opening stretch. Doubs' two touchdowns provided an important contribution while New England continued adjusting to Brown's absence.

Gronkowski's New York appearance also recognized his involvement in a charitable event supporting research into spinal cord and brain injuries. The Great Sports Legends Dinner benefits the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at the University of Miami.

The 2026 dinner honored 11 sports legends and announced a $1 million gift to establish a drug-discovery program supporting the research effort. Gronkowski described the event as a significant occasion because of its long-standing fundraising record.

"It really does. It’s absolutely legendary to be here," Gronkowski said.

The event has raised more than half a billion dollars over 41 years, according to Gronkowski, who praised its contribution to research and treatment for paralysis and neurological conditions.

"This is one of the best fundraisers of all time, especially, you know, in the sports industry. It’s been going for 41 years now. Over a half a billion dollars raised throughout those 41 years. It’s just absolutely incredible," Gronkowski said.