The Fox crew, consisting of Gronkowski, Glazer, Terry Bradshaw, Michael Strahan, Howie Long and Curt Menefee, are then shown on set, with Strahan suggesting that they should discuss Russo next.

Glazer then talks about Russo’s activation, while Gronkowski — who played tight end for 11 seasons for the Patriots and Buccaneers — remains quiet as his co-hosts hype the phantom player.

“That’s big because Russo is a complete game-changer, takes so much pressure off (Cowboys quarterback) Dak (Prescott), takes so much pressure off the run game, great blocker, great receiver,” Strahan said as Gronkowski shared the information takes in .

Menefee then puts Gronkowski on the spot, asking where he ranks a player of Russo’s caliber among the league’s tight ends.

‘Um, he’s been out for a while, so he might be a little rusty when he comes back, but I think they’re going to give him the opportunities, that’s for sure, but they also have (tight Jake) Ferguson, so it will be a 1-2 combo,” he said.

While Gronkowski praised Ferguson, Brashaw turned the conversation back to Russo.

“He’s the only guy in the league missing two fingers on his right hand, that’s why he’s been out and now he’s back,” the Steelers big said, with Gronkowski interjecting, “Will that affect him when he comes back? catch a pass?”

Gronkowski kept the conversation going as his colleagues dropped their poker faces and burst out laughing when Menefee revealed the ruse.

“Wow! I was wondering,” said a clearly shaken Gronkowski. “Right when it was done, I wanted to say, ‘Guys, I’ve never heard of Rich Russo in my life.'”

Gronkowski said on Sunday’s show how the crew’s “head was spinning,” and that he learned two things from the ordeal.

“That I’m a funny guy and number two, that I’m always ready,” he joked.

Gronkowski initially joined Fox Sports in 2019 after his first NFL retirement.

He reteamed with the network in 2022 after calling it a career following the 2021 season.