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Rob Gronkowski Recreates 2006 Ohio State Recruiting Photo On-Air, Reunites With Staffer From Viral Shot

The Fox analyst leaned into a long-running meme by reuniting on live TV with the man who shared the original sideline photo.

Overview

  • Gronkowski revisited the viral image during Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff at Ohio Stadium before No. 1 Ohio State faced Penn State on Saturday.
  • He recounted that he and friends were over-served the night before his 2006 visit and that he showed up on little sleep.
  • Gronkowski brought on Jeff, identified by Larry Brown Sports as Jeff Svoboda, who quipped, “You went on to greatness and I became an internet meme.”
  • The original photo was taken during his Ohio State recruiting trip in 2006, a season highlighted by the Buckeyes’ 42–39 win over Michigan.
  • Coverage tied the moment to his path through Arizona, a 2010 second-round Patriots selection, four Super Bowl rings, and his current role as a Fox studio analyst.