Kansas City, Missouri — November 16, 2025

The fallout from the Kansas City Chiefs’ heartbreaking 19–22 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 11 has been swift, intense, and unforgiving.
Analysts questioned leadership. Talk shows mocked execution. Social media zeroed in on every mistake — especially the special teams collapse that defined the night. And once again, Patrick Mahomes found himself at the center of a nationwide storm of criticism, with many voices insisting the former MVP “no longer looks capable of carrying this team through adversity.”

But in the middle of the media firestorm, one of the most respected figures in NFL history stepped forward with a message powerful enough to shift the national conversation.

It was Rob Gronkowski.
And he did not hold back.

Gronkowski speaks out on ESPN — and detonates the narrative

Appearing on ESPN Today, Gronkowski spoke with passion, frustration, and absolute conviction as he addressed the backlash aimed at Mahomes:

“What’s happening to Patrick Mahomes right now is a crime against football,” Gronkowski said.
“People forget too quickly. They forget the greatness. They forget the leadership. One tough game. One tough stretch. That doesn’t erase who he is.”

Within minutes, Chiefs fans flooded social media with messages of support, thanking Gronkowski for saying what many had been feeling for weeks.

One fan posted:
“We needed someone to say this. Mahomes has carried this franchise for years. He deserves respect.”

The loss wasn’t on Mahomes — and Gronk makes that clear

According to USA Today and CBS Sports, the Chiefs’ loss stemmed from issues far beyond Mahomes:

• A blocked extra point

• A 70-yard punt return touchdown

• Four special teams penalties in the first half

• Defensive lapses that allowed Denver to control the clock and rushing lanes

Yet despite these glaring breakdowns, many national commentators continued to blame Mahomes alone.

Gronkowski rejected that narrative outright.

“The man stands up and protects his teammates — that’s what leaders do.
You cannot judge him for showing integrity,” he said.

He then criticized the media’s obsession with Mahomes’ every move:

“This is lazy football analysis. Every great player goes through rough stretches. Brady did. Manning did. I did.
What’s not normal is the way people are trying to tear Mahomes down right now.”

A potential turning point for Kansas City

NFL insiders now believe Gronkowski’s passionate defense may become a rallying point for the Chiefs.
If Mahomes and Kansas City regain momentum in the coming weeks, this moment could be remembered as the spark that reignited belief both inside the locker room and across Chiefs Kingdom.

But even if turbulence continues, one truth is undeniable:

On a night when much of the football world seemed ready to bury Patrick Mahomes under criticism, one legend stepped forward to remind everyone exactly who he is:

A competitor.
A leader.
And a quarterback whose legacy will never be defined by one difficult week.