.png?trim=0,0,0,0&width=1200&height=800&crop=1200:800 "‘Worth every penny’ or ‘a bit OTT’? Readers debate the rise of expensive dog birthday parties – UK Times")
Rob Gronkowski’s model partner Camille Kostek has revealed the negative side of being an NFL girlfriend.
The Sports Illustrated swimsuit model, 33, has known the former Patriots star since 2013, with the tight end retiring (for a second time) three years ago.
But Kostek recently revealed that she was judged by the wives of other NFL players for not being married to Gronkowski.
‘I felt like I was seen as a lesser-than girlfriend because I didn’t have a ring on my finger,’ she said on Kristin Cavallari’s ‘Honestly Cavallari: The Headline Tour,’ per US Weekly.
‘But you want to know what’s so interesting about that? The woman that’s coming to mind [who] judged me the most, she’s divorced.’
Kostek and Gronkowski, who met each other when she was a cheerleader for the Patriots, did break up in 2017 before eventually getting back together.
Rob Gronkowski and SI Swimsuit model Camille Kostek have been together for over a decade
Kostek debuted for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit in 2018 and has modeled for the brand ever since
Gronkowski had a legendary 11-year career in the NFL, which concluded in 2021
However, Kostek explained that she used her time apart from the future Hall of Famer to pursue her passions – namely becoming a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model.
‘In that year, I decided to audition for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, which was on my bucket list. I cared about pursuing the things that brought me joy,’ she said.
‘There were so many things I was destined to want to do, and then I happened to date an athlete, and it was like, ‘You are a WAG.’
Kostek first modeled for SI Swimsuit in 2018, covered the magazine the following year and has been photographed for the brand every year since her debut.
She was even named a ‘Legend’ of the brand last year.
Last month, she walked the runway for SI Swimsuit in a show that included Livvy Dunne, soccer player Midge Purce and more.
While Gronkowski and Kostek do not have a child together, they do share a dog named Ralphie, who the four-time Super Bowl champion mentioned when he wished his girlfriend a happy birthday back in February.
Kostek attends the launch of the 2025 Issue of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit at Hard Rock Hotel New York
‘Happy Birthday to my Dancing Queen @camillekostek !! From your incredible kindness to your infectious energy, you light up every room you walk into babe!!,’ he wrote on Instagram.
‘You deserve the best, not just today but always. Love you to the moon and back! And the best Momma anyone could ask for to our loving boy @ralphiegronkowski !!’
Gronkowski, 36, established himself as one of the best tight ends in NFL history over an 11-year career.
The University of Arizona became a favorite target of Tom Brady during their time together in New England, catching 17 touchdown passes in 2011 and winning three Super Bowls under then-Patriots coach Bill Belichick.
Gronkowski then reunited with Brady on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where they won Super Bowl LV in 2021.
