Rob Gronkowski disses David Ortiz, Atlanta Falcons and others in roast

June 24 (UPI) -- All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski compared David Ortiz to an overweight beer-league softball player in one of his many jokes during a roast.

The New England Patriots star was one of several people, including comedians, actors and athletes, throwing jabs at the Boston Red Sox legend at "The Roast of David Ortiz" Thursday at the House of Blues. Red Sox star Dustin Pedroia also roasted his former teammate.

Ortiz's No. 34 Red Sox jersey was retired Friday before the team's 9-4 win against the Los Angeles Angels at Fenway Park.

One of Gronk's first digs was a dis toward actor Anthony Mackie.

"Hey, Anthony Mackie is here everybody," Gronkowski said at the beginning of his bit. "Anthony played Falcon in Captain America: Civil War. Anthony, you were terrible dog. It was the worst I've seen a Falcon look since the second half of the Super Bowl."

That joke was a nod at the Patriots' miraculous comeback from being down 28-3 in Super Bowl 51, before coming back to beat the Atlanta Falcons.

"And that superhero, that Falcon the superhero," Gronkowski added. "That's the black guy. You know, who can even fly when he's not being chased by the cops? That's a superpower."

Ortiz's roast was set to air on NESN, but never aired due to the amount of explicit language used. Boston.com filmed Gronkowski's segment, which was loaded with foul language and offensive jokes regarding religious beliefs and other sensitive topics.

"Remember last year when they canceled David Ortiz Bobblehead Night? Allegedly, because the bobblehead was racist and insensitive...like that could ever happen in Boston," Gronkowski said.

Bill Burr, Lenny Clarke and Sarah Tiana also roasted 'Big Papi.'

"Did you know David averaged an amazing 27 home runs a year, and just one triple? You fat [expletive]," Gronkowski said.

"We've all seen those home runs, those giant blasts. And after each of them, David points to the sky. He'll tell you it's paying tribute to the big fella, but I think he's secretly hoping it's cloud, with a chance of meatballs."

The event benefitted the David Ortiz Children's Fund.

"Did you know [during] David's average time on DH [he spent] 4.3 minutes per game actually doing something athletic? My mom's Fitbit has more steps on a brisk long walk than David managed in a doubleheader," Gronkowski said.