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Rob Gronkowski Stuns the NFL by Defending Drake Maye — And Maye’s 7-Word Response Sets the Internet on Fire

FOXBOROUGH, Massachusetts – Just one day after Stephen A. Smith ignited a massive debate by comparing Drake Maye to Josh Allen and questioning the true strength of the Patriots, the NFL witnessed a thunderous counterpunch: Rob Gronkowski stepped up and defended his young successor in a way nobody saw coming. And what sent social media into a complete meltdown was Drake Maye’s seven-word response that followed.

Stephen A. Smith argued that New England’s winning streak “wasn’t anything special,” claiming most of it came against inferior opponents. He praised Josh Allen’s explosive stretch and suggested Maye was simply “benefiting from the system.” The take spread like wildfire, sparking a ferocious war between Patriots fans and Bills fans across the league.

Rob Gronkowski speaks on Tom Brady's future and where he may play next  season | FOX NFL Sunday

Then Gronk showed up — and Foxborough has never exploded like this. Live on air, Gronkowski directly fired back at Stephen A.’s take, saying those evaluations “do not reflect the truth about Drake Maye: “I’ve seen how he prepares every single day, I’ve seen the way the locker room believes in him, and I’ve seen him win in ways the numbers will never fully show — Drake isn’t a product of the system, he IS the system,” Gronk declared — a statement that instantly sent social media into a frenzy.

Maye’s reaction took the story to another level. When asked about Gronk publicly defending him, Drake Maye just smiled and delivered the seven words that left the entire NFL stunned: “I just let my football speak.” Short. Ice-cold. And dripping with confidence.

With the Bills–Patriots showdown looming this weekend, Gronk’s fierce defense and Drake Maye’s seven-word mic drop have poured gasoline on an already scorching rivalry. On one side is a surging Josh Allen. On the other is the breakout rookie forcing the entire league to rethink every premature judgment thrown his way.

And after today, one thing is crystal clear: this war isn’t just being fought on the field anymore. It’s raging across television, social media, and in the hearts of millions of New England fans.

BREAKING: Bears Among Top Landing Spots for Former $141 Million Future Hall of Fame Pass Rusher
Chicago, Illinois – January 2026 Chicago Bears are reportedly one of the top landing spots for Khalil Mack, a former $141 million edge rusher, as he is set to hit free agency in the spring. The 34-year-old player, widely regarded as a future Hall of Famer, is expected to be a top target for teams looking to add a veteran pass rusher to their roster, and the Bears could be the perfect fit. After spending the past few years with the Los Angeles Chargers, Mack had a solid 2025 season, recording 5.5 sacks and 39 quarterback pressures. While Mack may not be the dominant force he once was, he remains a top-tier pass rusher and a leader with invaluable experience, potentially providing a significant boost to the Bears' defense, which is on the rise. According to Zachary Pereles from CBS Sports, the Bears could be the most likely destination for Mack. “Mack returns to Chicago, where he starred from 2018-2021. The Bears need to boost their pass rush without spending too much, and Mack fits that perfectly,” Pereles said. The Bears have the salary cap flexibility to bring Mack in without making a massive financial commitment, making him a sensible option for a team looking to bolster its defense without overspending. The Bears have shown strong defensive potential under head coach Mike Macdonald, but Mack could provide the veteran presence needed for a group of young, developing pass rushers. His leadership and ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks would be a welcome addition, and his past success with the Bears makes him an ideal candidate to return to Chicago. However, the Bears won’t be the only team competing for Mack. Other teams like the Cincinnati Bengals, Carolina Panthers, and Seattle Seahawks are also interested. The Bengals may need a replacement for Trey Hendrickson, the Panthers have multiple defensive needs, and the Seahawks have the cap space to make a big splash signing. “Bears is my old home, where I spent some of the most important years of my career. Even though I’ve been away, Chicago has always been in my heart. Coming back here is not just an opportunity to contribute to the team but a homecoming journey. I believe I can bring strength and experience to help the Bears go further, and if given the chance, I’ll do everything I can to help the team achieve great things,” Mack shared. For Mack, the final decision will depend on the role he’s offered and which team is best positioned to contend for a Super Bowl in the years ahead. But as the Bears continue their pursuit of a championship, they remain one of the most attractive landing spots for this veteran pass rusher.