“Pay You Money to Delete”: Baby Gronk’s Dylan Raiola Flex Pushes Nebraska Fans Over the Edge

“Pay You Money To Delete” might as well be the rallying cry this offseason, as Nebraska football finds itself embroiled in an awkward position. Amid the endless chatter of recruiting buzz and social media flexes, Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola has inadvertently become the focal point of a narrative that puts legacy against internet hype. Baby Gronk is at it again. This time, not with LSU gymnastics star Livvy Dunne. But with Huskers’ main man. We’re not exactly sure what for, to be honest.

While the Cornhuskers finished a middling 7-6 season in the Pinstripe Bowl under coach Matt Rhule—winning five of their first six games before crumbling in the latter half—Raiola’s off-field persona has ignited a firestorm among fans. The young star’s uncanny resemblance to Patrick Mahomes with a similar haircut, leg sleeve, and jersey number, only adds fuel to the media’s frenzy and the fan base’s ire.

It wasn’t just his on-field numbers that caught the eye. During his freshman campaign, Raiola threw for 2,819 yards with 13 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, posting a 67.1% completion percentage. Although these stats reveal potential, they are now being overshadowed by a far more contentious issue. With nothing much to do in the offseason, Dylan Raiola was pictured alongside a young high school football phenom known as Madden San Miguel aka Baby Gronk.

A kid with a social media following of over 500,000, hailed by some as “football’s next big thing.” The photo, captioned “DYLAN RAIOLA AND BABY GRONK,” has now taken on a life of its own, setting off debates that stretch from locker room talk to internet forums.

Baby Gronk, a rising amateur athlete with a reputation for stirring the pot, has become a lightning rod in his own right. His presence in the photo was meant to be a fun flex—a merging of Nebraska’s promising QB with a social media sensation. However, this display hasn’t quite matched the hype.

Adding insult to injury, Baby Gronk’s namesake, retired NFL TE, Rob Gronkowski, hasn’t exactly been shy with his opinions. In 2023, Gronkowski told Will Compton, “I see you guys beefing with Baby Gronk’s [dad]. You’re blowing a gasket. My brother was like, ‘Yo, did you see Baby Gronk yet?’ I was like, ‘Did I see him?’ His dad f—— hit me up 500 times already. Don’t do anything with him.” The veteran’s candid dismissal only underscored the absurdity of the hype. For Nebraska fans, whose loyalty to their QB runs deep, this kind of association threatens to belittle the promise that Raiola once represented.

As Nebraska’s season recedes into memory and recruiting debates continue to swirl, the image of Raiola with Baby Gronk has left a bitter taste among fans. In a landscape where legacy is measured by more than just highlight reels, Nebraska fans are now demanding that the image—and all that it represents—be removed.

Huskers don’t want Dylan Raiola to be associated with “cringe”

Social media erupted almost instantly after the photo surfaced. One comment summed it up starkly: “Plz delete.” Fans argue that the focus should be on building a winning program, not on social media stunts designed to boost a player’s image without substance.

Another voice in the digital din declared, “how is this kid famous he’s so annoying.” Baby Gronk’s pervasive presence has gained criticism online. For fans who crave authenticity and grit, the incessant hype surrounding the young phenom comes off as contrived and even grating—a distraction from the real work on the field.

A third sentiment was equally emphatic: “Get away from my QB right now.” To them, any association with a figure who represents superficiality undermines the integrity of the program. The call to keep Baby Gronk at arm’s length is a clear signal that fans value substance over style, and they’re not willing to compromise on that.

The intensity of the backlash peaked with one particularly scathing remark: “I will pay you money to delete this,” followed closely by, “Yeah sorry kid but you gotta delete this or tell daddy too.” These comments not only express outright disdain for the flex but also encapsulate a broader frustration with the commercialization and spectacle that now pervades the Cornhuskers. Fans are calling for a return to basics—a focus on hard work, resilience, and on-field performance rather than manufactured hype.