“You might get a penalty”: Rob Gronkowski throws shade at NFL refs amid controversy surrounding Patrick Mahomes’ Chiefs

Former NFL star Rob Gronkowski has sparked fresh debate about alleged officiating favoritism toward Patrick Mahomes. His recent comments offered a playful yet pointed suggestion to Bills defenders facing the Chiefs quarterback in Sunday's AFC Championship game.

Gronkowski, a four-time Super Bowl champion tight end, shares insight as the Bills prepare to face Mahomes for their fourth playoff matchup in five seasons. Patrick Mahomes holds a perfect 3-0 record against Josh Allen in their postseason battles.

Speaking on Thursday's "Up & Adams Show," Gronkowski addressed the mounting tension. This is regarding the debate surrounding referee calls that seem to favor the Chiefs' quarterback, particularly after recent controversies.

"I also know how the other Bills can win when they sack Patrick Mahomes, just touch him. Don't don't do anything more. You know, don't throw him too hard down on the ground, you might get a penalty," Gronkowski said.

His comments follow a contentious Chiefs-Texans game where Patrick Mahomes drew two roughing-the-passer penalties. The first came when Will Anderson Jr. hit him after releasing a pass, while the second occurred after a late slide resulted in contact from Folorunso Fatukasi and Henry To'oTo'o.

Patrick Mahomes addresses the officiating controversy

NFL: AFC Divisional Round-Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs - Source: Imagn

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes responded to these allegations on 96.5 radio on Wednesday.

"I've learned that no matter what happens during the game, something is going to come out about if you win, if you continue to win," Mahomes said.

The stakes couldn't be higher for the Chiefs upcoming playoff matchup. A win would make Mahomes only the third quarterback to defeat the same opponent four times in the postseason. For Allen, a loss would tie him with Aaron Rodgers for the most playoff defeats against one opponent.

The Bills-Chiefs rivalry joins an elite company in NFL history. They become just the fifth pair of quarterbacks to meet four or more times in the playoffs. Previous matchups include legendary duels between Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, Brady and Joe Flacco, Ken Stabler and Terry Bradshaw, and Brett Favre versus Steve Young.