More: Gronk and Kobe are the BEST of friends! They both live in Fraternity/Sorority houses and adore their people. Even better yet, they both are named after famous athletes, but their stories are so heartfelt. Gronk is named after a boy in his fraternity who passed away suddenly before he (Gronk) was born. The young man's nick name was Gronk. He bares his name proudly, as this young man was a light in many people's lives. On the other hand, Kobe was saved from being a fighting dog on the very day Kobe Bryant passed away! The two have a lot to live up to and serve major parts of their organizations.