WATCH: New England Patriots Legend Rob Gronkowski Sings National Anthem At His Own Bowl Game

Former New England Patriots star Rob Gronkowski rang in the kickoff of the bowl game named after him by signing the The Star-Spangled Banner.
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As documented in the 2003 holiday comedy Elf, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.

No carols were in store, but Rob Gronkowski took Will Ferrell's mantra literally on Saturday night in Los Angeles, helping to ring in Bowl Season by singing the national anthem before the third annual LA Bowl at SoFi Stadium. The former New England Patriots tight end is the presenting sponsor of the game alongside Starco Brands, taking over from AFC late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel. 

Gronkowski is taking his LA Bowl hosting duties seriously
Gronkowski is taking his LA Bowl hosting duties seriously / Cheryl Evans, USA TODAY Network

The LA Bowl, featuring the local UCLA Bruins battling the Boise State Broncos, is one of six Football Bowl Subdivision postseason games staged on Saturday the first of 43 such games that culminate in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game on Jan. 7. 

Gronkowski greeted the teams with his rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner alongside the Los Angeles-based New Directions Veterans Choir. 

The fun-loving tight end is taking his hosting duties seriously: in addition to the former Patriot's patriotic crooning, Gronkowski is apparently set to provide further entertainment by racing Blitz, a dog responsible for retrieving the Broncos' kickoff tee after it's booted. The ex-New Englander announced his intentions through a social media rant prior to Saturday's kickoff, referring to himself as the pooch's "Kryptonite."

"(I'm) the guy you have been fearing your whole entire life. And I just want to let you know Blitz, I'm giving Blitz Zero tomorrow," Gronkowski said in Friday posts. "You have zero chance of beating the Gronkster."

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Gronkowski also helped supervise the game's opening coin toss and will also emcee the trophy ceremony.



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Geoff Magliocchetti
GEOFF MAGLIOCCHETTI

Geoff Magliocchetti