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Camille Kostek was willing to bend the rules to be withthe man she loved.
The former New England Patriots cheerleaderwas photographedby Ben Watts in Portugal for the 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. The outlet is celebrating its 60th anniversary.To ring in the festivities, the model hasbeen spottedcelebrating with her longtime love, ex-NFL tight end Rob Gronkowski.
Kostekwas first linkedto Gronkowski in 2015. They previously met in 2013 when the pinup was a cheerleaderandGronkowski was in his third season with the team.
SPORTS ILLUSTRATED SWIMSUIT MODEL KATE UPTON MAKES SIZZLING COMEBACK FOR 60TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE
Rob Gronkowski was first linked to Camille Kostek in 2015. (Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
“There is that rule where [you] cannot date the players,”Kostek told Fox News Digital.”I broke that one, but I kept it a secret for a little while. It was worth it in the end.”
Kostek said the secret behind their lasting romance is surprisingly simple.
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit is celebrating its 60th anniversary. (Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated)
“We read our calendars to each other,”she chuckled.”Wedon’tspend every waking moment together, soit’sexciting for us to get on the phone.It’sacommonthing weeklyto get on the phonetogetherwhenwe’rein different states and put out our calendars.”
Rob Gronkowski and Camille Kostek attend the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Kick Off Party, May 9, 2019, in Miami Beach, Florida. (John Parra/Getty Images)
“It was mysister’swedding in St. Thomas, and we had our calendars together. We were down on the beach,andI said,‘I have the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit launch.It’sa big one,it’stheLegendsissue. So,I’mgoing tobe in New York for the first half of theweekand then the second half of the week in Miami. Andhe’slike,‘Perfect, I have a podcast to record in New York.I’llbe there for your event.’AndI’mlike,‘Perfect.’”
Camille Kostek is featured in this year’s SI Swimsuit issue, which hit newsstands on May 17. (Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated)
“It’sexciting when we canline upour schedules,”Kostek said.”We have our press week, but then we squeeze in a dinner together or even just a bageltogetheron a park bench and make it a romantic movie, even ifit’s30 minutes.But I thinkthat’swhat keeps it alive; we both arejustso supportive of each other, whetherwe’reafar or together.”
“We get so excited even justgoing toa charity event,”she continued.”We did a gala recently where we both dressed up. We looked at each other, andwewere like,‘When was the last time we got dressed up together?’And he was like,‘I guess this is a date.’And I said,‘It’sa date.’
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Arizona Wildcats alum and honorary team captain Rob Gronkowski and girlfriend Camille Kostek attend a game between UCLA and the University of Arizona on Nov. 4, 2023, in Tucson, Arizona. (Christopher Hook/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“We always look forward to our schedules [matching]. Whenever we both find time in our schedule where we have a week off, we book a trip.We’rethinking about going to Greece later in July. Nowwe’rejust so excited about that. It will be our romantic time. In the meantime,we’rehaving fun being a dog mom and dad and being on the go.”
New England Patriots cheerleader Camille Kostek stands on the field prior to Super Bowl XLIX in Glendale, Arizona, on Feb. 1, 2015. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The 32-year-old was the co-winner of the SI Swim Search in 2018. She landed the SI Swimsuit cover the following year and has appeared on the pages of every issue since. The Connecticut native said it was her childhood dream to be a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model.
“The magazine helped me embrace the bodythat Iwas growing into as a young woman,”said Kostek.”It helped me embracethe freckles I had, the little insecurities I had growing up. … The magazine helped me embrace those partsof me thatIwasn’tfully loving. Self-love has been such a journey for me.”
Camille Kostek attends the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Launch Party at Hard Rock Hotel in New York City on May 16, 2024. (Taylor Hill/WireImage/Getty Images)
“Some people might have laughed that this was such a far-fetched dream,”Kostek said.”Even going to modeling agencies in New York City, I wastold,‘You’renot tall enough’or ‘You’renot thin enough.’Itwas pretty much impliedthat I should choose a different career path. But modeling is not what drew me to this brand specifically. It allowed me to celebrate myself.Stillget nervous and excited every year when I get that call, I still feel likeI’min rookie mode.”
Camille Kostek is a familiar face at the annual SI Swimsuit runway show in Miami. (Getty Images)
Kostek pointed out that when she met SISwimsuit’seditor in chief,MJDay, shedidn’thave anagent to back her up.The idea ofbeing in the magazine seemed like a pipe dream for the hopeful model.
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“It was tough for me to get signed as a model at the time,”said Kostek.”And yet here was someone who believed in me. It was MJ who said,‘I see something in you.I’mgoing to give you a shot.’That changed the trajectory of my life. This brand changed me. It changed my life andmy career path. Andit’struly a sisterhood. …These are friends that I will have for life.”
Camille Kostek has designed her own swimwear. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Sports Illustrated)
“Although this is a bikini magazine – us modeling in bikinis – essentially what drew me to this brand specifically is how it made me feel,”said Kostek.”The bikinis were the cherry on top.”
Kostek said she still faces body insecurities. However, shedoesn’tlet that stop her from making a splash. And she encourages everyone to step out in a bikini this summer. Since her success with SI Swimsuit, Kostek has curated her swimwear collectionsthat aimto celebrate all body types.
Camille Kostek is an advocate for body positivity. (Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for Sports Illustrated)
“Thisjourneyof workingisnever-ending,”she said.”I find myselfstruggling sometimes whenit’stime for a boat day,orto goto a beach, or even do a photo shoot. I still struggle with insecurities. But life is short.Let’sbe blessedthatwe’rehere,that wehave a body, and that there are so many endless bikinis to choose from.”
Camille Kostek walks the runway for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit show at Paraiso during Miami Swim Week at the W Hotel South Beach in Miami on July 15, 2018. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Sports Illustrated)
“There are swimsuits for all body types that help you feelconfidentandsexy andjustallow you to embrace who you are,”said Kostek.”I tend to be more on the minimalistic side, so that you can expose those hips, your booty and just all of you. Some people like to be a little bit more covered up.
Camille Kostek encourages everyone to step out of their comfort zone this summer when it comes to rocking a swimsuit. (Taylor Hill/Getty Images)
“Iencourage you to step out of your comfort zone …you’remeantto embrace all of you. Also, everyone is so worried about themselves. Just have fun and put on your bikini. Own it. I know it can be hard sometimes, butit’sharder to be hard on yourself,to just letgo, be free and love yourself.”
Stephanie Nolasco covers entertainment at Foxnews.com.
