Rob Gronkowski is set to miss week 12’s FOX NFL Sunday broadcast following Terry Bradshaw’s awkward apology to the New England Patriots legend.

In a twist that lines up almost perfectly, Dallas Cowboys icon Jimmy Johnson will step up to replace the 35-year-old this weekend. The announcement comes after four-time SuperBowl winner Bradshaw was forced to apologise live on air after a cheeky joke made at Gronkowski’s expense.

During the analysis of a Detroit Lions game, Bradshaw clumsily suggested that Gronkowski was merely covering for Johnson and is not a regular feature on the programme himself. Bradshaw had said that the former NFL record-breaker was a temporary replacement on the show, as the ex-Cowboys coach had been given some time off.

Michael Strahan stood up for his fellow analyst, saying: “He’s not filling in, he’s here all the time.” Gronkowski also said: “Wow, yeah, I’m part of the show Terry.” Bradshaw realised his mistake quickly, as he replied: “Okay, I made a mistake. All right, I apologize, Gronk, you know I love you.”

Despite being a full-timer on FOX since 2022, Gronkowski’s absence will be felt on the upcoming program as he takes a break from his usual swap-in role for veteran Johnson.

Fox broadcaster Rob Gronkowski looks on during the Philadelphia Eagles vs San Francisco 49ers game at Lincoln Financial Stadium.

Gronkowski won’t be on the show this weekend ( 

Image:

Simon Bruty/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)

It appears that the 35-year-old has been granted a brief hiatus, as the week 12 line-up features host Curt Menefee, analysts Bradshaw, Johnson, Strahan, Howie Long and Jay Glazer.

While it’s unclear if Gronkowski’s absence from the show is related to Bradshaw’s previous joke, fans can rest assured that the four-time Super Bowl champion will be back on FOX soon enough.