Warning: Spoilers ahead for American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez episode 5, “The Man.”American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez is far from a comedy, but the introduction of the show’s fictionalized version of the title character’s fellow tight end meant the bioseries had no choice but to alter course a little. Rob “Gronk” Gronkowski is one of many real NFL players to be portrayed in American Sports Story. The athlete’s fun-loving reputation needed to be authentically put across, or including the character would have been a little pointless. While he doesn’t have a huge role in the American Sports Story season 1 cast, the actor who plays him certainly makes an impact.

American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez‘s approach to documenting the main character’s personal and professional life means many real-life figures are brought into the action. While Gronk may not have been a huge part of Hernandez’s personal life, their time together on the field can’t be ignored. So, Gronk’s debut in American Sports Story episode 5 is a huge milestone in Hernandez’s overall story.

American Horror Story Episode 5 Has A Comedic Tone Thanks To Rob Gronkowski’s Introduction

“The Man” wouldn’t make sense if it stayed super serious throughout

Understandably, American Sports Story‘s creative choices have largely highlighted the dramatic aspects of Aaron Hernandez’s arc. His various struggles, poor decisions, and drastic missteps have made it difficult to get much laughter from the show – although that isn’t really its purpose. However, the arrival of Gronk resulted in the project having to capitulate in its tone. His larger-than-life attitude and jokester personality taint every aspect of “The Man” that they touch. To not bend the show’s formula to Gronk’s presence would have resulted in a very confusing atmosphere.

Of course, “The Man” doesn’t completely dispense with American Sports Story‘s theatrics, but Gronk’s scenes are a huge departure from moments like Aaron’s holding Derek at gunpoint. The disparity in tone between the various sequences both with and without Gronk also elevates them. By the time Gronk shows up, some comic relief is very much in demand. Similarly, the funnier parts of the episode make the darker scenes far more impactful since they’re separated by mere moments at a time. On the whole, Gronk’s debut makes “The Man” about as lighthearted as the show can believably be.

Who Plays Rob Gronkowski In American Sports Story

Gronk is played by Laith Wallschleger

The legendary tight end is played by journeyman actor and former football player Laith Wallschleger. After his college career as a Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hen, Wallschleger came very close to playing in the NFL but ultimately didn’t make the 53-man roster after being dropped by the Arizona Cardinals after the 2015 preseason. Therefore, American Sports Story essentially gives Wallschleger his NFL debut. Despite never going pro, the actor’s time as a football player has clearly given him the tools he needs to play an athlete with Gronk’s level of Bravado.

Wallschleger’s portrayal of Rob Gronkowski has gone viral due to how accurately he embodies the tight end. As well as clearly having an aptitude for playing Gronk, Wallschleger’s acting career has also prepared him to step into the role. Interestingly, American Sports Story isn’t the first time he has had a fictitious tie to the New England Patriots organization. Wallscheleger played an offensive coach in the 2023 sports comedy movie, 80 for Brady. He has also had small roles in shows such as The Rookie, NCIS, and 9-1-1.

Aaron Hernandez & Rob Gronkowski’s Time As NFL Teammates Explained

Gronk & Hernandez were rare in their success has a two-headed tight end attack

Gronkowski and Hernandez were both taken by the New England Patriots in the 2010 NFL draft. Chosen in the second round, Gronk was one of the five tight ends taken before Aaron Hernandez. Despite Hernandez’s obvious talent making him a potential first-round draft pick, his off-the-field issues meant he fell to the fourth round. Regardless, then-head coach Bill Belichick made prominent use of both his new offensive weapons. Gronk and Hernandez were both adept receivers and blockers – a rarity for tight ends, a position that often favors one skill over the other.

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Both players were often on the field simultaneously, which created match-up nightmares for the opposing team’s defense. With two elite tight ends in the formation, it became incredibly difficult to stop the Patriots’ passing attack. As shown in “The Man,” Belichick even started to line Hernandez up in the backfield, which added to the unpredictability factor. When Hernandez was jailed after his third and final season, Gronk went on to dominate in the NFL and became one of the greatest tight ends of all time – although this isn’t particularly relevant given the larger story of American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez.

American Sports Story is a TV show from Stu Zicherman and executive produced by Ryan Murphy. The series stars Josh Andrés Rivera as Aaron Hernandez and Patrick Schwarzenegger as Tim Tebow. The sports anthology series serves as the fourth installment in Murphy’s “American Story” franchise.

Cast

Josh Andrés Rivera , Patrick Schwarzenegger

Seasons

1

Directors

Paris Barclay , Carl Franklin