Rob Gronkowski, family to take part in 'UFC 278 with The Gronks' 'GronkCast'

When it was learned this past February that Peyton Manning's Omaha Productions had come to an agreement with ESPN to continue the popular "Monday Night Football" "ManningCast" alternate telecasts featuring brothers and former NFL quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning, it was also unveiled that Omaha Productions would develop content for future live UFC shows. 

A different familiar name from the world of football will host the first edition of that UFC content this weekend. 

As Michael David Smith noted for Pro Football Talk on Friday, retired future Hall of Fame tight end Rob Gronkowski will be joined by brothers Chris, Dan, Glenn and Gordie Jr. and also father Gordon for a special alternate "GronkCast" that will be available to those who purchase the "UFC 278: Usman vs. Edwards 2" show via ESPN+. 

Kamaru Usman will defend his welterweight championship versus challenger Leon Edwards in the card's main event. 

Ardi Dwornik of ESPN Press Room confirmed the program's official title is "UFC 278 with The Gronks" and added that it will debut and simulcast on ESPN and ESPN+ from 9-10 p.m. ET Saturday until it moves to an ESPN+ pay-per-view stream. The Gronkowski family will welcome big-name UFC personalities Chuck Liddell, Kevin Holland, Paddy Pimblett and Molly McCann as guests during the card. 

Standard commentary will also be available via ESPN+.

"Our family is pumped to be able to team up with Peyton and his team at Omaha Productions to bring some fun and laughs into The Octagon," the Gronkowski family said for the ESPN Press Room release. "Get ready for some action-packed fun as we hang out as a family, share stories, and test out our UFC skills." 

ESPN vice president of MMA production Glenn Jacobs added: 

"The best way to watch a big UFC fight card is with your friends. And this Saturday, you can hang out with your new friends, the Gronkowskis. They’re fans of the sport, have great family chemistry and this telecast will provide an additional fun and creative way to watch UFC 278." 

Rob Gronkowski vowed earlier this summer he "wouldn’t go back to football" and was "enjoying trying to find what I really, really want to do next." Perhaps he will become a regular guest on "ManningCast" broadcasts this fall.