The New England Patriots are heading back to the Super Bowl-and for longtime fans, it feels like a return to something familiar, something special. Sunday’s gritty 10-7 win over the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game didn’t just punch their ticket to the big stage-it reignited the fire for a fanbase that’s been waiting for this moment since the post-Brady era began.
Among those celebrating the moment was Camille Kostek, who’s been a visible part of Patriots Nation for years. Kostek, a former Patriots cheerleader and longtime partner of Rob Gronkowski, took to Instagram to share her emotions following the win. Her posts weren’t just about the present-they were filled with nostalgia, too.
She kicked things off with a throwback to the 2018 AFC Championship Game, sharing a photo of her embracing Gronkowski at Arrowhead Stadium after the Patriots beat the Chiefs. The caption: “AFC Championship mems.” That was a game where New England showed its championship DNA, winning 34-16 and eventually going on to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.
Kostek followed it up with another photo from that same night, this time of herself, fired up and decked out in Patriots gear. Her message? Simple and loud: “LFG PATRIOTS!!!!!!”
Then came a clip from Sunday’s nail-biter against Denver, showing the final score. Her caption summed it up perfectly: “I love playoff football.”
But she saved her biggest message for last, rallying Patriots fans with a postseason rally cry:
**“SB WEEK GOT SO MUCH MORE FUN!!!!
SEE YOU IN SAN FRAN PATS NATION!!!” **
This run to the Super Bowl is historic for more than just the scoreboard. It marks the Patriots’ first trip back since Tom Brady’s departure in 2020-a milestone that’s been years in the making.
And it comes in the wake of a major organizational shake-up, including the hiring of Mike Vrabel as head coach. The turnaround has been nothing short of remarkable.
Rob Gronkowski, now an analyst with FOX Sports, was on set for the “NFL on FOX” broadcast after the game and made it clear how much this moment means to him.
“That was one of the best turnarounds in sports,” Gronk said. “From where the Patriots were last year, then going out and getting Mike Vrabel as their head coach and having this turnaround and going to the Super Bowl… Pats Nation: we’re going back to the Super Bowl, baby. That’s what I’m talking about.”
The moment is even more meaningful considering Gronkowski officially retired as a Patriot just a few months ago. On November 12, he signed a one-day contract with the team to formally end his career in the same place it began. He played nine seasons in New England, winning three Super Bowls alongside Tom Brady and becoming one of the most dominant tight ends in league history.
"I'm a Patriot for life," Gronkowski said during the ceremonial signing. "My career started here and 100% needed to end here."
Kostek was right by his side for that moment, too. She shared photos from the ceremony on Instagram, including one with Gronk and team owner Robert Kraft. Her caption said it all: “Patriot for life ❤️🏈.”
The two have been together since 2015, and while Gronkowski finished his on-field career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers-adding another Super Bowl ring in 2021-his heart, and his legacy, are firmly rooted in Foxborough.
And now, with the Patriots heading back to the Super Bowl, it feels like the past and present are colliding in the best possible way. For Gronk.
For Kostek. For the fans.
For Patriots Nation.
See you in San Francisco.