FOXBORO — Gronkowski Fires Back at Cowherd: Patriots’ Success Is No “Luck”

A wave of controversy swept through the NFL community this week after Colin Cowherd, the outspoken host of The Herd, made headlines by dismissing the New England Patriots’ current 5–2 record as little more than an illusion. Speaking on his national radio show, Cowherd didn’t mince words, calling the Patriots’ streak “the luckiest run in the NFL this year” and suggesting their recent wins were flukes.

Cowherd argued that New England’s victory over the Buffalo Bills was “merely the result of opponents’ mistakes” and criticized the Patriots’ win against the Tennessee Titans, asserting that it was “hardly noteworthy since they had just lost their head coach days earlier.” His comments quickly drew strong reactions from fans, analysts, and former Patriots players alike, fueling a debate over whether the team’s success is sustainable or simply a temporary anomaly.

Less than 24 hours later, Rob Gronkowski, the Hall of Fame-caliber tight end and longtime Patriots icon, stepped into the fray. Appearing on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football, Gronkowski delivered a passionate defense of his former team, blending humor with resolute authority.

“I was once a part of this team,” Gronkowski said, flashing his signature smile but with a tone that left no room for doubt. “And if there’s one thing the Patriots don’t rely on, it’s luck. You don’t beat the Bills, you don’t lead the AFC East, just by luck. That’s effort, that’s culture, that’s New England DNA.”

Gronkowski, whose tenure in Foxborough included multiple Super Bowl victories and Pro Bowl selections, emphasized that the Patriots’ success is measured not just by wins and losses, but by the way the team handles adversity.

“When a team is underestimated yet still fights and still wins—that’s not luck, that’s grit,” he said. “Every time we step on that field, we’re facing challenges—injuries, tough schedules, pressure from the media. How we respond is what defines us.”

He also defended the Patriots’ rookie quarterback, Drake Maye, who has been steadily guiding the team back to a winning trajectory. “He’s got the spirit of a champion,” Gronkowski said. “You see him practicing every morning, talking to his teammates, staying calm in big moments—those are things you can’t call luck. That’s leadership.”

The former tight end’s remarks resonated immediately. Across social media, Patriots fans rallied behind Gronkowski’s defense. On Twitter alone, thousands of comments praised him for defending the team and setting the record straight. “That’s our Gronk—hitting the nail on the head,” one fan wrote. Another added, “Cowherd clearly doesn’t understand what New England football is about.”

While Cowherd remained steadfast in his position, predicting that the Patriots “will collapse in November” and that their early-season success is unsustainable, Gronkowski’s response struck a tone of quiet confidence. He concluded with a pointed message to doubters:

“Keep doubting them,” he said, leaning into the camera. “Because every time you think the Patriots are done—that’s when they come back the strongest.”

Analysts suggest that Gronkowski’s defense of the team may carry more than just emotional weight. As a player who spent over a decade in the Patriots’ locker room under Bill Belichick, he represents a living link to the organizational culture and ethos that define New England football. His comments underscored the value placed on preparation, discipline, and team cohesion—qualities that are often overlooked when evaluating a team purely by statistics.

For Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, the public back-and-forth between Cowherd and Gronkowski is unlikely to influence his approach. Still, it reinforces a recurring theme for the team: external criticism often serves as motivation rather than distraction. Historically, the Patriots have thrived in scenarios where they were underestimated, turning skepticism into fuel for performance.

As the Patriots prepare for upcoming matchups in the second half of the season, the debate over “luck versus skill” will likely continue to simmer. Cowherd’s critique may find receptive ears among some NFL fans and commentators, but Gronkowski’s endorsement reminds the league why New England’s reputation for resilience and consistency remains unmatched.

In the end, the story is as much about narrative as it is about wins and losses. While critics like Cowherd measure success through perception, Patriots legends like Gronkowski frame it through effort, culture, and grit. And if recent history is any indication, the team will continue to prove itself on the field, letting performance, not punditry, determine its legacy.

For now, the debate continues—but one thing is certain: the Patriots’ locker room, past and present, isn’t short on defenders ready to challenge anyone who underestimates them.