Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Rob Gronkowski’s On-Air Mistake Draws Attention

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rodney Knuppel | Last updated Oct 6, 2025 8:40 PM ET

Rob Gronkowski continues to thrive in his post-playing career with his entertaining appearances on Fox NFL Sunday, but this week, a new challenge left the former Patriots and Buccaneers star speechless, or close to it.

The crew was talking about NFL Week 5, and while discussing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Week 5 win over the Seattle Seahawks, Gronkowski tried to say rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka’s name, and it did not go as planned. The tight end legend stumbled over the pronunciation, sparking plenty of laughs from fans online.

One viral post summed it up perfectly: “Gronk trying to pronounce Emeka Egbuka is hilarious. Not even close.”

Gronk trying to pronounce Emeka Egbuka is hilarious not even close #WeAreTheKrewe pic.twitter.com/Nmj6Bn38cc
— Nick Wize (@iAmNickWize) October 5, 2025

Egbuka, 22, has been one of the brightest young stars in the league through the first month of the 2025 season. Drafted 19th overall by the Buccaneers, the former Ohio State standout has immediately made an impact on offense. He has 25 receptions for 445 yards and five touchdowns, averaging an impressive 17.8 yards per catch.

The Buccaneers needed Egbuka’s production with injuries to veterans Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Running back Bucky Irving has been the team’s second-leading receiver, but Egbuka has quickly developed chemistry with quarterback Baker Mayfield and become a key part of Tampa Bay’s 4-1 start.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (2)Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Egbuka’s college resume was strong before entering the league. A second-team All-Big Ten selection, he helped Ryan Day’s Buckeyes win a College Football Playoff title. His combination of speed, route-running, and reliability has made him one of the early favorites for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Tampa Bay will host the San Francisco 49ers in Week 6 before hitting the road for matchups against the Detroit Lions and New Orleans Saints ahead of their Week 9 bye.

Even if Gronkowski can’t quite pronounce his name yet, Emeka Egbuka is quickly becoming one that NFL fans and analysts will need to learn.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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