Michael Strahan slaps 'choking' Rob Gronkowski on the back as Fox NFL Sunday star struggles to get sentence out

ROB Gronkowski was choked up on Fox NFL Sunday and needed a hand from Michael Strahan.

Former New York Giants star Strahan slapped Gronk on the back as he struggled on Sunday's show.

Gronk joined Strahan, Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long and host Curt Menefee on the Week 5 edition of Fox NFL Sunday.

He took his position on the end of the set - where he sat in for the absent Jimmy Johnson.

The ex- New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end was asked for his opinion on the Houston Texans vs Buffalo Bills showdown.

"This game signifies," Gronk said as he struggled to pronounce the word.

Strahan then intervened as Gronk choked on his words.

"Sorry, my bad, a little off this morning," Gronkowski said.

He finally was able to make his point after composing himself and clearing his throat.

"This is a trade that is a win-win for both sides," said Gronk.

"Josh Allen can go out there and be free in the huddle.

"He doesn't have anybody chomping in his ear every single play that they want the ball and they're not getting the ball enough.

"For the Houston Texans, it bolsters their offensive weapons for CJ Stroud."

But the four-time Super Bowl champion did have a word of warning for Buffalo.

He said, "For the Buffalo Bills it might backfire a bit.

"They do need a true No. 1 in order to beat the big time teams like the Baltimore Ravens last week."

Buffalo lost that game 35-10 as they were completely dominated in all aspects.

Gronkowski was the target of a prank by his co-stars during Week 4 in the NFL.

The panel discussed a player called 'Rich Russo' starting for the Dallas Cowboys at tight end.

Jay Glazer claimed he had received a tip-off from Cowboys owner Jerry Jones that Russo - who doesn't exist - would play.

Strahan and Bradshaw made a case for his inclusion, as a visibly confused Gronk apparently nodded along.

The former Patriots tight end was eventually asked his thoughts while believing he was live on air.

"You know he's been out for a little bit so he might be a little rusty coming back," Gronk said, as Strahan struggled to contain his laughter.

"But I think they're going to give him the opportunities, that's for sure."

The segment falls apart as the cast struggled to keep a straight face - and Gronk realized he was tricked.

"I learnt two things about myself from that clip," Gronk laughed on Sunday's show, watching the footage back.