The Arizona Wildcats have gotten off to a solid start in 2025, sitting at 3-1 after four games. They have a chance to improve that record on Saturday when they host the Oklahoma State Cowboys for their Big 12 home opener.
While all eyes will undoubtedly be on the game, Rob Gronkowski will return to his alma mater in a special role that will draw plenty of fan attention. Here’s everything to know about why Gronkowski will be at the game.
Why is Rob Gronkowski At Arizona vs Oklahoma State?
Gronkowski will return to Arizona for the Wildcats’ game against Oklahoma State on Saturday, serving as the team’s honorary captain.
He’s one of five Arizona alumni who will take on the role this season, joining Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop, Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea, former running back David Adams, and former linebacker Marquis Flowers.
Most fans know Gronkowski from his stardom as a tight end for the New England Patriots, but before his Hall of Fame NFL career, he was a key member of the Wildcats football team from 2007 to 2008.
“Gronk” was a four-star tight end in the 2007 recruiting class out of Woodland Hills High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 247Sports ranked him as the No. 4 tight end in the country and the No. 102 overall prospect.
Before officially committing to Arizona, he received seven offers, including ones from major programs like Ohio State, Clemson, and Penn State. As a freshman, he made an immediate impact, catching 28 passes for 525 yards and six touchdowns in 2007.
His sophomore campaign in 2008 was even better, recording 47 receptions for 673 yards and 10 touchdowns. Unfortunately, he missed his entire junior season in 2009 after undergoing back surgery and ultimately decided to declare for the 2010 NFL Draft, where the Patriots selected him in the second round as the 42nd overall pick.
His career with the Patriots would prove to be legendary. Playing alongside the great Tom Brady, he finished second all-time in franchise receiving yards and first in touchdowns.
“Gronk” retired from the NFL after nine seasons with New England in 2019 before returning in 2021. He played two more seasons alongside Brady with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, winning his fourth Super Bowl trophy.
Now retired and with free time on his hands, Gronkowski has become more involved with Arizona. This will be his second time serving as honorary captain for the team, as he did so for the Wildcats’ homecoming against UCLA in 2023.
Fans can look for “Gronk” on the field in his honorary captain role ahead of Arizona’s game against Oklahoma State. The matchup kicks off at 3:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 4, 2025. The game will be broadcast on TNT and streamed on HBO Max.