In a display of loyalty and camaraderie that has warmed the hearts of New England Patriots fans, quarterback Drake Maye publicly defended franchise legend Rob Gronkowski amid a wave of online backlash stemming from comments made on the popular “Up & Adams” show.
The controversy erupted earlier this week when Gronkowski, appearing as a guest alongside host Kay Adams, made what many perceived as off-color remarks during a segment discussing Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams.
Gronkowski’s playful yet edgy banter, including a pun-laden reference to “up Adams” that veered into suggestive territory, quickly went viral, drawing sharp criticism from social media users who accused the retired tight end of crossing the line into inappropriate humor.
The incident occurred during a lighthearted breakdown of upcoming matchups, where Gronkowski was hyping the Patriots’ strong season and predicting playoff scenarios.
As the conversation shifted to Davante Adams’ dominant performance with his new team, Gronk interjected with a series of double-entendre jokes, quipping about “getting up Adams” in ways that some viewers interpreted as crude. Clips circulated rapidly on platforms like X and TikTok, with hashtags like #GronkGoneTooFar trending briefly.
Critics labeled the comments as disrespectful and outdated, especially in an era of heightened sensitivity around player discussions in media.
Women’s sports advocates and some NFL pundits weighed in, arguing that such humor undermines professional discourse, while others dismissed it as classic Gronkowski antics—boisterous and unfiltered, much like his playing days.
Amid the furor, Drake Maye, the Patriots’ rising star quarterback in his second season, stepped forward to shield his predecessor. In a post-practice media session on January 3, 2026, Maye addressed the situation head-on, emphasizing Gronkowski’s value to the franchise and the league. “Gronk is a legend, man.
He’s one of the greatest to ever do it, and he’s always been real—that’s what makes him Gronk,” Maye said. “People are blowing this out of proportion. It was just him being himself on a show, having fun talking football.
We’ve got bigger things to focus on, like finishing strong and making a run.
I got nothing but respect for him, and I’m glad he’s in our corner cheering us on.” Maye’s calm, measured response highlighted his maturity, drawing praise for handling a potentially divisive topic with grace while reinforcing team unity.
The Patriots organization echoed Maye’s sentiment indirectly through a spokesperson, noting that Gronkowski remains a cherished alumnus and frequent supporter. Head coach Mike Vrabel, navigating his own family challenges, briefly touched on the matter, saying the team appreciates Gronk’s passion and prefers to keep discussions football-focused.
Gronkowski himself responded via social media with his trademark humor, posting a meme of himself spiking a football captioned, “Still standing tall! Thanks to my guy Drake for having my back.
Patriots forever.” He later clarified in a follow-up interview that no malice was intended, describing the remarks as “just locker room talk that spilled onto the airwaves.”
Fans have largely rallied behind both players, viewing Maye’s defense as a poignant moment of generational bridging in Patriots history. Social media threads filled with memories of Gronkowski’s Super Bowl heroics alongside Tom Brady, contrasted with Maye’s current leadership in guiding the 13-3 Patriots toward playoff seeding.
Many supporters argued that the backlash overlooks Gronk’s personality, which has always thrived on bold, entertaining commentary since his retirement. “This is why we love Gronk—he keeps it real,” one fan posted. “And Drake showing love to a legend? That’s class. Patriots Kingdom strong.”
The episode has sparked broader conversations about boundaries in sports media, particularly on shows like “Up & Adams,” known for its casual vibe blending analysis with personality-driven segments. Host Kay Adams addressed the uproar lightly on her next episode, laughing it off while noting the segment’s intent was purely football-oriented.
Analysts suggest such incidents highlight the tightrope walked by retired players turned commentators, balancing authenticity with modern expectations.
For the Patriots, the distraction arrives at a pivotal time, with the regular-season finale looming and potential home-field advantage in the playoffs on the line. Maye, who has thrown for over 4,000 yards this season and emerged as an MVP candidate, has kept the locker room focused.
Teammates like Stefon Diggs praised Maye’s handling of the situation, calling it “leadership in action.” Gronkowski, ever the showman, promised more appearances to support the team, vowing to “keep the energy up—pun intended.”
Ultimately, Maye’s steadfast defense has turned a potential PR hiccup into a unifying narrative, reminding fans of the enduring brotherhood in New England. As the team prepares for postseason battles, the bond between past and present icons underscores why the Patriots continue to captivate, blending talent, personality, and resilience.
In an NFL landscape often fraught with controversy, this moment stands out as a testament to loyalty, with Maye emerging not just as a quarterback, but as a steward of the franchise’s storied legacy.
