The LA Bowl will no longer have Jimmy Kimmel as part of the pregame and postgame festivities, as the comedian and late-night host has been replaced by NFL legend Rob Gronkowski.
And as Gronk said in a video announcing the change Saturday morning, “I can get used to this.”
Video Announces Rob Gronkowski’s Involvement With the LA Bowl
The four-time Super Bowl winner will now serve as the host of the Dec. 16 college bowl contest held at Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium in a game now known as the “LA Bowl Starring Gronk.”
“It’s Gronk’s turn now … I can get used to this,” Gronkowski says in the video created by the LA Bowl’s X account.
Bringing a SPIKE to Bowl Season 💥🏈 Introducing the new host of the #LABowl, @RobGronkowski!
The 2023 LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk kicks off Saturday, December 16 at @SoFiStadium 🏟️
🎟️ Visit for tickets, suites and more info. pic.twitter.com/29J61cV6fp
— LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk (@LABowlGame) October 21, 2023
Gronkowski signed a multi-year agreement with the game, which for the last two seasons was named after Kimmel.
What Will the LA Bowl Be Like With Gronk Hosting?
Gronkowski is expected to bring the same fire and energy he’s displayed in his decorated NFL career to his role with the LA Bowl, which pits the Mountain West Conference champion against the No. 5 team from the Pac-12.
“He’ll kick off game day with a specialized grand entrance, preside over the coin toss, and close out the night with the trophy presentation,” the news release announcing the change revealed.
MORE: Everything CFB at College Football Network
There’s more. Gronk will present something brand new to the winning football team after the game.
“At the trophy presentation, Gronkowski will present the winning team with the bowl game’s one-of-a-kind LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk championship belt,” the release said.
The NFL legend who won four Super Bowls — three with the New England Patriots and one with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — was a college football star in his own right. He established himself as an NFL-caliber tight end at the University of Arizona, where he caught 75 career passes for 1,197 yards and 16 touchdowns.
He went on to become a second-round selection for the Patriots in the 2010 NFL Draft before putting together 11 seasons in the league with five Pro Bowls and four All-Pro nods.
“Football has brought me so many incredible opportunities, and I’m thrilled to return to college football as the host of my very own bowl game,” said Gronkowski. “We are going to light up college football bowl season. This game is going to be epic, so I better see everyone at the LA Bowl Hosted by Gronk at SoFi Stadium on Dec. 16!”
There’s a chance that Gronkowski’s alma mater could be representing the Pac-12 in the game. Arizona, at 4-3, is currently near fifth place and is two wins away from officially becoming bowl-eligible.
