Rob Gronkowski Says Chiefs Will 'Fold,' Points to Eagles' Super Bowl Blueprint
Gronkowski criticized Kansas City’s response after a season-opening loss in Brazil, citing Philadelphia’s Super Bowl approach and visible sideline discord following a 27-21 defeat to the Chargers.
Former New England Patriots tight end and Fox Sports analyst Rob Gronkowski said the Kansas City Chiefs have a “glass jaw” and predicted the team will “fold” if opponents attack early, citing the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl strategy as a blueprint for other teams.
Gronkowski made the remarks Wednesday on the Fox Sports morning show “Up & Adams,” pointing to how the Eagles attacked Kansas City in last season’s Super Bowl and to signs of internal frustration after the Chiefs’ 27-21 loss Friday to the Los Angeles Chargers in São Paulo, Brazil.
“Philadelphia opened that floodgate of, hey, if you punch these guys in the face, you take it to them, you come out swinging, they’re gonna fold and they’re not gonna be the team you were seeing all last year,” Gronkowski said. He added he was surprised by how quickly players began “yelling at each other” when Kansas City faced adversity and described that sort of finger-pointing as an unhealthy sign for a team seeking sustained success.
The Chiefs entered the 2025 season coming off a loss in the Super Bowl to the Eagles, 40-22, in which Philadelphia led 40-6 with under three minutes remaining. Kansas City had been pursuing the first three-peat in Super Bowl history.
Kansas City’s season opener against the Chargers was decided late after Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert converted a third-and-14 with a long run to secure a first down and help preserve the victory. Herbert finished 25-for-34 for 318 yards, three touchdowns and no turnovers. Patrick Mahomes completed 24 of 39 passes for 258 yards and one passing touchdown, added a rushing touchdown and had no turnovers. Mahomes also led the Chiefs in rushing with six carries for 57 yards.
Defensive tensions flared after the game when Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones and linebacker Drue Tranquill were seen arguing on the sideline, an exchange captured and circulated on social media. Gronkowski referenced the incident as emblematic of his concern that the team was not holding together when momentum turned against it.
Kansas City’s running game struggled to generate consistent yardage; Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt combined for five carries apiece and totaled 41 rushing yards. The Chiefs’ offensive balance and ability to sustain drives will be focal points as they prepare for a quick turnaround: Kansas City hosts the Eagles on Sunday in a Week 2 rematch of the Super Bowl, with kickoff scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET on Fox.
Gronkowski’s comments continue a line of analysis from former players and media voices that have scrutinized the Chiefs’ roster construction and in-game adjustments since their Super Bowl defeat. The team will travel to face the New York Giants in Week 3 on “Sunday Night Football.”
The upcoming rematch offers Kansas City an early opportunity to respond on the field to both external criticism and what players and coaches will likely describe as internal expectations. Coach and player comments ahead of the Eagles game will provide additional context to whether the team addresses the concerns raised by Gronkowski and others following the season opener.