Steelers TE Pat Freiermuth on ‘Baby Gronk’ Nickname: ‘I Hate It’

Penn State's Pat Freiermuth (87) scores a touchdown on a 23 yard catch against Buffalo in the 3rd quarter on Sept. 7, 2019. Penn State won 45-13. Photo/Craig Houtz

Former Penn State star tight end Pat Freiermuth, drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round last month, has often been called “Baby Gronk,” in reference to NFL star tight end Rob Gronkowski.

The nickname makes sense, because Freiermuth is from Massachusetts, and Gronkowski was a star for the New England Patriots.

But the funny thing about nicknames is that, sometimes, no one ever asks the player if he actually likes the nickname.

Freiermuth mentioned his disdain for the “Baby Gronk” nickname during his Pro Day interview at Penn State, and in the video below from Friday, he explains why.

As for the nickname, it has caught on in the football world, and here’s a good example: A YouTube video about Freiermuth that’s actually called “Baby Gronk.”

This article first appeared at our partner site, Nittany Sports Now

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