Imagine a world where college athletes are not just playing hard but cashing in on their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights—how cool is that? What if we told you that the former fullback Chris Gronkowski’s got the inside scoop on this game-changing shift? We snagged an exclusive chat with him, and his insights are straight-up gold!

In this all-exclusive Essentially Sports interview on The Dual Threat Show with Brandon Guttman II, we dived into the red-hot topic of NIL deals. UCLA QB Chase Griffin stirred the pot a while back, suggesting that college athletes deserve a baseline salary, just like coaches do. “There should be baseline compensation for performing on the team, because if coaches have a salary, then college athletes should have a salary too,” Griffin argued. NFL veteran, Chris Gronkowski, weighed in—and his take was both thoughtful and revealing.

Gronkowski reflects on how NIL deals could’ve been a game-changer for him back then. Extra cash would’ve been a big boost during his college life. But he also raises a crucial point: while the financial perks are tempting, they can be a major distraction. “It would’ve given me an opportunity to make some money that I needed while being in college, so it’s there. But at the same time, it’s a distraction,” the 37-year-old admitted. 

The Arizona star dropped some serious wisdom: young athletes need a crash course in money management. To keep them grinding in the classroom, not just cashing in, he’s all about a system where they snag a chunk of their earnings only after they graduate. This way, they stay locked in on their studies and aren’t tempted to hop schools just for the dough. “I think kids need to be educated on finances and really controlling the money. I think there should be something tied to it with education. Engaged with school or just stop them from collecting $1 million and going to the next school the next year,” Gronkowski explained during the Essentially Sports exclusive interview segment. 

As for staying sharp amidst the NIL buzz, Denver’s ex-fullback shared his personal practice: “College, I still think, was one of the hardest times of my life. Because you’re not like you are in the NFL, you are a whole student. You have to go to school, you have to pass, and that’s a full-time job too.” In the end, he’s got one clear takeaway: NIL deals are awesome, but staying balanced and hitting the books are crucial to really cashing in on those opportunities.

While the former Broncos star’s take on NIL deals is spot on, his morning routine that shaped his current life is next-level epic.

Chris Gronkowski’s morning hustle 

Think mornings are a drag? Chris Gronkowski’s here to prove you wrong. The former NFL fullback and Shark Tank vet kicks off his day like a boss. By sunrise, this 37-year-old is already crushing his inbox and laying out his game plan.

At 5:00 a.m., he’s all about that gym life—banging out a workout and some pick-up basketball, like the big names: Mark Zuckerberg and Richard Branson. “Working out is a habit of the successful,” Gronkowski says. After breaking a sweat, he heads home to hang with his wife, Brittany, and their two kids before they’re up. “I get home before the kids wake up, shower, drink a shake, and eat breakfast,” Gronkowski says. “Then I chill with the kids until 8:30 before diving back into work.”

By 5:00 p.m., he’s wrapped up his grind and ready for family dinner. Evenings are all about the kids, with a bit of leftover work once they’re asleep. Gronkowski’s hustle is paying off—his Ice Shaker brand has blown up from one product to a full lineup of insulated bottles. Alex Rodriguez nailed it: “He’s been terrific.” For Chris Gronkowski, turning routine into success is just part of the game.

Catch all the behind-the-scenes vibes from the EssentiallySports’ Dual Threat Show with Brandon Guttman II as Chris Gronkowski joined us on the latest episode. We’re breaking down his take on NIL deals being a total distraction and what it means for college football players. Curious about how this shakes up the game? Check out every episode of the ES x BG12 Show on our YouTube channel. Stay tuned!