Kaylah Walton
Dylan Raiola’s offseason was expected to revolve around football. As a top-rated quarterback from Nebraska and son of famed player Dominic Raiola, he was seen as a beacon of hope for a struggling program. However, rather than honing his skills, he found himself amid a controversy linked to an internet sensation, a middle schooler, and escalating tensions among Nebraska supporters.
The situation stemmed from a picture. Baby Gronk, or Madden San Miguel, has crafted an online persona as a football prodigy, largely fueled by his father’s aggressive marketing. He has posed with numerous NFL and college stars, asserting himself as “football’s future.” When a photo of him posing with Raiola circulated online, it was initially intended as harmless promotion but quickly spiraled into a public relations headache.
Backlash from Nebraska Fans
Husker fans were not pleased with the image. Their reactions were swift, with numerous comments urging for its removal, including requests like “Plz delete.” Some were more confrontational: “Get away from my QB right now.” Others expressed their annoyance with the Baby Gronk persona: “How is this kid famous? He’s so annoying.”
Beyond the photo’s presence, the core issue lies in what Baby Gronk signifies—an emphasis on hype rather than real talent. Many fans view Raiola as a pivotal figure who could bring Nebraska’s football program back to its prime. To them, a viral distraction undermines that goal.
Even Gronk Disapproves
The Baby Gronk phenomenon has often sparked mixed feelings, extending to not just Nebraska fans. Even Rob Gronkowski, the renowned NFL player, has separated himself from the young star. In a 2023 interview, he revealed that Baby Gronk’s father had reached out to him an alarming number of times, stating he advised others against involvement. If someone of his stature wants to steer clear, why should Nebraska’s key player engage?
Raiola Remains Quiet, Yet the Sentiment is Clear
Raiola has yet to address the situation, nor has the Nebraska coaching staff. Nevertheless, the fans’ sentiments are transparent: they desire their quarterback to remain free from social media distractions. As the Nebraska football team undergoes a rebuilding phase, such diversions are seen as counterproductive.
Will the photo ultimately be removed? It’s uncertain. However, Nebraska supporters have expressed a clear preference for seeing Raiola in actual game highlights rather than a trending social media snapshot.
