Camille Kostek finally spills the untold story behind Gronk's clever pickup move that changed everything

For years, fans have followed the public side of the relationship between Rob Gronkowski and Camille Kostek. What many never knew was how it all began. Speaking during PEOPLE’s “WAG World” interview, Kostek shared a story that dates back to 2013, when Gronkowski was one of the NFL’s biggest stars and she was a cheerleader for the New England Patriots. At the time, strict organizational rules discouraged relationships between players and cheerleaders. Yet a small, unexpected gesture from Gronkowski quietly set everything in motion.Kostek’s account offered a glimpse into a side of Gronkowski that fans rarely see. During a Patriots charity event in November 2013, the future Hall of Famer found a way to introduce himself despite the restrictions that existed within the organization.Rather than making a public move, Gronkowski reportedly wrote his phone number on the back of a “Hello, I am Rob Gronkowski” name sticker. He added a handwritten “Shh” before discreetly passing it along. More than a decade later, Kostek still has the crinkled sticker.Her reaction was immediate.“I was like, ‘Oh, you sneaky boy,’” Kostek said.Even then, she was not convinced it was really Gronkowski. Unsure whether someone was playing a prank or testing her, she decided to FaceTime the number while pointing her phone at the ceiling. On the other end, Gronkowski answered in a similarly cautious fashion.The awkward exchange eventually confirmed his identity, turning what could have been a brief encounter into the start of something much bigger.The relationship remained private for roughly two years while both were still connected to the Patriots organization. When they eventually went public in 2015, they became one of the most recognizable couples in sports and entertainment.Since then, both have experienced major career milestones. Kostek rose to international prominence with her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit success, including a cover appearance in 2019. Gronkowski added to an already remarkable legacy before transitioning into broadcasting and media following his NFL career.Their partnership has also endured through significant personal moments. Kostek was by Gronkowski’s side when he returned to Gillette Stadium in November 2025 to sign a ceremonial one-day contract and retire as a Patriot.More recently, the couple has addressed questions about marriage and family. Kostek explained that she is choosing not to let outside expectations dictate her timeline. Reflecting on conversations with Gronkowski’s mother during Mother’s Day and her own family experiences, she said she has learned that there is no single path people must follow, preferring instead to trust that life will unfold when the timing feels right.