The Untold Reality of Dating an NFL Star: Camille Kostek Speaks Out

Camille Kostek, a prominent Sports Illustrated model, recently candidly discussed the challenges of being in a relationship with former NFL tight end Rob Gronkowski. While their love story has captivated many, Kostek reveals a different side of dating a professional athlete that is often overlooked.

The Pressure of Labels and Expectations

During a recent episode of Kristin Cavallari’s “Honestly Cavallari: The Headline Tour,” Kostek shared her experiences with judgment from others, particularly from fellow NFL wives.

“I felt like I was seen as a lesser-than girlfriend because I didn’t have a ring on my finger,” she stated, referencing the societal expectations placed on partners of professional athletes.

Interestingly, she noted that the individual who judged her most was herself affected by her own circumstances:

“The woman that’s coming to mind [who] judged me the most, she’s divorced.”

A Journey Marked by Growth and Resilience

Kostek, who started dating Gronkowski in 2015 after meeting him in 2013 when she was a cheerleader for the New England Patriots, shared that the pair has been significant parts of each other’s lives for nearly a decade.

Key Milestones in Their Relationship

• 2013: First meeting when Kostek was a cheerleader.
• 2015: Began dating Rob Gronkowski.
• 2017: Experienced a breakup that sparked major personal growth.

Kostek explains how their first breakup in 2017 ultimately changed her trajectory for the better:

“Some of the best things that changed the trajectory of my life came from this f—ing breakup that broke me but also allowed me to get in the zone. I didn’t care about dating. I felt like I was asexual.”

After the breakup, she turned her focus to personal ambitions, pursuing dreams she had once set aside.

Chasing Dreams and Breaking the Norm

One pivotal decision she made was to audition for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, a lifelong aspiration that she described as transformative:

“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.”

Kostek’s story is a reminder that being a WAG (wives and girlfriends of athletes) often comes with prescriptive labels, yet it doesn’t define one’s identity or aspirations.

Breaking NFL Dating Rules

In May 2024, Kostek disclosed that she violated an unwritten NFL rule about players dating cheerleaders:

“There is that rule where [you] cannot date the players. I broke that one, but I kept it a secret for a little while. It was worth it in the end.”

Balancing Love and Ambitions

Kostek offered insights into how she and Gronkowski maintain their relationship despite busy schedules.

“We read our calendars to each other,” she said with a chuckle. “It’s exciting for us to get on the phone. It’s a common thing weekly to get on the phone together when we’re in different states.”

She shared a sweet example of how they support each other’s careers:

• At her sister’s wedding in St. Thomas, Kostek mentioned her commitment to the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit launch, to which Gronkowski responded he would join her in New York for the event.

Conclusion

Camille Kostek’s experiences provide a revealing look at the complexities of dating a professional athlete. Her story highlights the pressures, misconceptions, and the incredible resilience required to thrive in an often judgmental environment. As she continues to pursue her dreams while maintaining a loving relationship with Gronkowski, Kostek serves as an inspiring example for many.

For more about the challenges and lifestyle of being involved with professional athletes, visit the NFL’s website and explore the insights from various perspectives in the sports world.