Gronkowski Jokes About Belichick’s Age Gap with Girlfriend

Rob Gronkowski shared a lighthearted jab at Bill Belichick during an appearance at Fox in New York on Monday. The former New England Patriots tight end addressed the notable age difference between Belichick and his girlfriend, Jordon Hudson, who is 24. This came up when Fox News host Harris Faulkner provided a brief history lesson regarding when Fox first aired.

“In 1962, Fox wasn’t even a twinkle in Rupert Murdoch’s eye. The network didn’t start until 1986,” Faulkner noted, referencing the year Gronkowski, who is 35, correctly identified. The comment sparked laughter, especially in light of the couple’s significant age gap.

The conversation took a turn when analysts at Fox’s NFL Studio chimed in, poking fun at Hudson by saying she “doesn’t even sparkle” in Belichick’s eyes.

Belichick, now 73, coached Gronkowski for nine seasons. Their relationship recently caught public attention after Hudson’s uncertain responses about how they met during a “CBS Sunday Morning” interview in late April.

“We’re not discussing this,” Hudson remarked during the broadcast, prompting even more speculation.

Initial reports suggest that the couple met on a flight in 2021, with their relationship becoming public in 2024. Following the interview, there were claims that Hudson—a former college cheerleader and pageant contestant—was banned from facilities at the University of North Carolina, though the university disputes this.

Around this time, Gronkowski addressed Hudson’s impact, questioning whether she distracts the team. “When you’re with the Patriots, the focus is on minimizing distractions,” he explained. “Looking at the North Carolina program feels like a distraction 24/7.”

Belichick is set to coach his first regular season game for the Tar Heels against TCU on September 1, with some speculation about the longevity of his association with UNC.