Rob Gronkowski may be a hometown hero to some, but to a significant chunk of Bills Mafia, he's still public enemy No. 1. The former Patriots tight end returned to Buffalo on Sunday for the Bills' 24-16 win over the Chargers, and his presence outside Highmark Stadium sparked a familiar divide among the faithful.
Gronk, who grew up just outside Buffalo, was on hand for FOX's pregame coverage, mingling with tailgaters and soaking in the atmosphere. To many, it was a warm reunion—a chance to celebrate a local kid who made it big. But to others, his mere presence was a reminder of the pain he inflicted during his years with New England.
The online backlash was swift and unforgiving. "We'll never forget what he did to Tre White," one fan wrote, referencing the infamous 2017 hit that left Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White with a concussion. Another fan was less diplomatic: "Or what a complete d—k he was during the entire Pats reign of terror. Never showed any respect for Buffalo. None. Never spoke kindly of his home town. Total d—bag. F—k him."
The anger isn't just about that one play. For many, Gronk symbolizes the Patriots' dominance over the Bills for nearly two decades—a period that saw Buffalo suffer through countless losses to their AFC East rivals. "Literally could've paralyzed a fan favorite player, I really don't know how someone didn't throw a rock at his head," one commenter fumed. Another simply declared, "Gronk isn't welcome in buffalo."
Yet, despite the hostility, Gronk has been making efforts to reconnect with his roots. In recent years, he's been more visible in the Buffalo community, and his post-football career has seen him embrace the city in ways he never did as a player. That hasn't softened the hearts of some, though. "Buffalo remembers Tre!!!" one user exclaimed, and it's clear that for a portion of the fanbase, forgiveness is off the table.
The tension between Gronk and Bills fans is a reminder of how deep sports rivalries can cut. Even as the Bills have become Super Bowl contenders, the scars from the Brady-Belichick era remain. For those who lived through the 2000s and 2010s, Gronk will always be the enemy—no matter how many times he says he's from Buffalo.
This isn't the first time Bills fans have shown they hold grudges. The fanbase has a history of passionate, sometimes controversial, displays of loyalty, from viral moments at the stadium to debates over O.J. Simpson's legacy. And while some may argue it's time to move on, others insist that certain lines shouldn't be crossed.
As the Bills continue their push for a championship, the question remains: can Gronk ever truly be welcomed back? For now, the answer is a resounding no for many in the Mafia. But in true Buffalo fashion, the debate will likely rage on—just like the rivalry itself.
