This summer marks the arrival of the biggest World Cup yet in the United States, but before the tournament begins, Rob Gronkowski is reminding everyone of one of the oldest arguments in American soccer; Yankee Scores reports…

According to Rob Gronkowski, the USMNT has been limited by its ability to harness the full potential because of its own sports powerhouse – the NFL.

The “Best Athlete” Theory

Speaking on the latest episode of The Late Run podcast, Gronkowski suggested that there was nothing stopping the United States from being able to field its strongest roster.

He believes that too many talented young Americans choose football way before they can be considered for soccer opportunities.

Is American football to blame for the USMNT not unlocking its full potential? 🤔

Gronk thinks if the roles were reversed and our best athletes played soccer instead at a young age, we’d be one of the top 3 nations 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/j9AleLDFi1

— The Late Run (@TheLateRunShow) May 14, 2026

The USWNT Comparison

“I think football, our football in America, kind of ruined our soccer game,” Gronkowski said. “Kind of ruined our soccer team for USA because all our best athletes play the game of American football.”

He noted players who tend to develop into NFL wide receivers and defensive backs, saying that these players’ speed, explosiveness, and accuracy could have made a difference if they developed skills within the world of soccer since their youth.

“If those athletes started at a young age, like our wide receivers and DBs, the best athletes in the world,” Gronkowski said. “If we didn’t have American football, I believe that Team USA would be a top three team in the world.”

Exemplifying the women’s soccer team

Gronkowski used the example of the women’s soccer team, noting how successful the USWNT is compared to the men’s team, which seems to struggle despite all the hype surrounding it.

“That’s why I believe our women’s team is so good because they get their best athletes to play right from the beginning,” Gronkowski said.

While the USWNT remains one of the greatest teams to ever grace international football, the men’s team is still looking for its moment of greatness and hoping to deliver on its massive potential.

Assessing the Talents in USWNT

The current squad has some of the most promising and talented players in recent years, with Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, Gio Reyna, Tim Weah, and Folarin Balogun providing an incredible core to the roster.

However, his comments suggest that Rob Gronkowski cares not only about the talent that is already present in the world of soccer. Instead, he raises the important question regarding all those athletes that never even considered soccer as an option. While his ranking might sound like hyperbole at this point, the question itself will continue to remain relevant during this World Cup.