Rob Gronkowski Fears Jordon Hudson Might Become A 'Distraction' For Bill Belichick And UNC

Yahoo

12-05-2025

Rob Gronkowski, one of Bill Belichick's former players, has recently shared his feelings about the legendary coach's personal life.
In an interview, Gronkowski, a former New England Patriot, commented on the controversy surrounding Belichick's relationship with Jordon Hudson, admitting it might come back to bite the 73-year-old in the future.
Gronkowski Admits Bill Belichick's Girlfriend Might Become A 'Distraction' For The UNC Football Program
While appearing on the 98.5 The Sports Hub show, Gronkowski touched on the headlines surrounding Belichick and his 24-year-old girlfriend, Hudson.
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When the host mentioned some of the drama his former coach has faced, especially after the controversial CBS interview, Gronkowski said he's reflected on what Belichick used to tell him.
"You know, and in the back of your head, too, you're just thinking to yourself as well, 'When you were on the Patriots, the whole goal was to eliminate all the distractions that can possibly happen while you're on the team," he said.
The four-time Super Bowl champion continued, "And don't bring those distractions to the team and in the locker room, and we're just looking down at the program in North Carolina, and it feels like there are just distractions 24/7 down there. There's no football talk as well."
Was Belichick's Girlfriend Banned From The UNC Campus?
Gronkowski's statements came days after Pablo Torre, a popular sportswriter and podcaster, shared the news that Hudson had allegedly been banned from part of UNC's campus.
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According to him, "higher-ups" at the university decided in early May 2025 that the 24-year-old, who recently placed third in the Miss Maine USA competition, wouldn't be allowed inside any of their football buildings or on the football field.
"There is deep worry for how detrimental Jordon can be for not just North Carolina but Bill's legacy, reputation," a source reportedly told Torre. "Don't think you'll be hearing much from [her] moving forward," another source said.
UNC Denied The Claims And Welcomed Bill Belichick And His Girlfriend
Instagram | Jordon Hudson
Shortly after, university officials denied the claims and said they welcomed Hudson on their campus and inside UNC's football facilities.
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"While Jordon Hudson is not an employee at the University or Carolina Athletics, she is welcome to the Carolina Football facilities," the statement read.
They went on to say that Hudson would "continue [managing] all activities" related to Belichick's "personal brand."
Torre shot back on X, defending his earlier reporting. He added that he and his team "stand by the specific reporting in our episode," claiming his quote came "from the highest levels of the football program."
Gronkowski Defended Bill Belichick With Another Player On A Different Podcast
Prior to Gronkowski's statements on The Sports Hub, the iconic NFL tight end defended Belichick with Julian Edelman on the Dude on Dude podcast.
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"People are giving an unfair reality of what's going on," Edelman said about Hudson and Belichick's infamous CBS interview, in which the pageant contestant interrupted journalist Tony Dokoupil to shut down a question about their relationship.
"She was jumping into that conversation during the interview just like any PR person would jump in when there's an unnecessary question that probably didn't go over in the pre-production meeting," he continued.
He went on to describe the judgment toward their relationship as "unfair" before mentioning that Hudson was working with Belichick "in the professional world."
Gronkowski agreed, calling Hudson Belichick's "representative."
Fans Share Their Reaction To Belichick's Interview Moment And His Former Players' Comments
Instagram | Jordon Hudson
In the comment section of the Dude on Dude podcast's official Instagram, netizens replied to Edelman and Gronk's comments and shared their differing perspectives.
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"Respect the loyalty, Jules, but this ain't a good look for Bill," one user said, while another said, "I don't know about this one, fellas."
"This is embarrassing, Julian," said a third poster. "Would be better to say nothing than to bend over backwards defending it."
A fourth commenter said, "It's ok to realize [the] people you have looked up to may not be who you thought they were."
"Do you guys realize there is a 45-year age difference?" questioned a fifth person. "She has no experience in media or football operations. I appreciate you guys standing up for BB, but I would leave this alone."