Camille Kostek, the Sports Illustrated model known for her work with the SI Swimsuit, recently shared her experiences of being judged by NFL wives for not being married to Rob Gronkowski, a former NFL tight end. During an episode of Kristin Cavallari’s ‘Honestly Cavallari: The Headline Tour,’ Kostek revealed that she felt like a ‘lesser-than girlfriend’ due to not having a wedding ring. This comment sparked discussions about the pressures faced by athletes’ partners and the societal expectations tied to marriage.
Kostek explained that the judgment was not just from married women but even from someone who had gone through a divorce. This highlighted the double standards and the ways in which societal norms can influence perceptions of relationships, especially those involving athletes. Despite the criticism, Kostek remained undeterred and focused on her personal growth and career.
Her relationship with Gronkowski, which began in 2015, has been a significant part of her life. Kostek mentioned that they met in 2013 when she was a cheerleader for the New England Patriots and Gronkowski played for the team. She reflected on the challenges of being in a long-term relationship with an athlete, including the need to balance personal ambitions with the demands of the sport.
Following a breakup in 2017, Kostek decided to pursue her dreams, which included joining the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. She emphasized that her experiences with the athlete influenced her decision to chase her own goals, rather than being defined solely by her relationship. This shift in focus allowed her to prioritize her career and personal aspirations over the societal expectations tied to being an athlete’s partner.
Kostek also mentioned the NFL rule that prohibits dating players, which she broke in her relationship with Gronkowski. Despite this, she felt that the relationship was worth it, showing her commitment to her personal journey. The discussions around her experiences have raised questions about the broader implications for athletes’ partners and the societal pressures they face, which continue to be a topic of interest and debate.