Top 10 Tight Ends in NFL History: How Do Kelce and Gronk Compare?
The Golden Age of Tight Ends: Ranking the All-Time Greats
Over the past 25 years, the NFL has seen a Golden Age of tight ends, with icons like Tony Gonzalez, Rob Gronkowski, and Travis Kelce redefining the position. But who stands as the greatest of all time? Today, we dive into the top 10 tight ends in NFL history and pay homage to the pioneers who paved the way for today’s superstars.
Criteria for Greatness
To be included on this prestigious list, a tight end must excel in these critical areas:
- Field Stretching: The ability to create opportunities downfield.
- Route Running: Precision and effectiveness in navigating defenses.
- Catching: Consistency and reliability as a primary target.
- Blocking: The cornerstone of versatility and team value.
A truly great tight end is not just a safety valve for the quarterback but also a deep threat and a game-changer in critical moments.
10) Jason Witten – Dallas Cowboys
Jason Witten’s incredible consistency and productivity have cemented his legacy as one of the game’s greatest tight ends. His career achievements will undoubtedly earn him a place in the Hall of Fame.
Career Highlights:
- 11-Time Pro Bowler
- 2-Time All-Pro
- NFL Man of the Year
- Bart Starr Award Winner
Stats:
- 110 receptions in a single season.
- Surpassed 1,000 receiving yards four times.
While Witten’s steady presence and leadership redefined the tight end position, his career lacks the elusive Super Bowl ring that might have pushed him higher on this list.
9) Mike Ditka – Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys
“Iron Mike” Ditka revolutionized the tight end position, showcasing its potential as an offensive weapon. In his rookie season, Ditka posted an incredible 56 receptions for 1,076 yards (19.2 yards per catch) and 12 touchdowns—a performance that set the standard for the modern tight end.
Career Highlights:
- 2-Time World Champion
- NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1961)
- 5-Time Pro Bowler
- Member of the NFL 75th & 100th Anniversary Teams
Ditka’s toughness and versatility made him a beloved figure in NFL history and the first tight end inducted into the Hall of Fame.
8) Shannon Sharpe – Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens
Shannon Sharpe brought dynamic playmaking to the tight end position, becoming a game-changer with his ability to stretch the field and exploit defenses. His career featured three Super Bowl championships and one of the most iconic plays in NFL postseason history—a 96-yard touchdown reception in the 2000 AFC Championship Game.
Career Highlights:
- 3-Time Super Bowl Champion
- 8-Time Pro Bowler
- 4-Time All-Pro
- Hall of Fame Inductee, Class of 2011
Stats:
- Surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in three seasons.
- Played pivotal roles during his two-year stint with the Ravens and his storied time with the Broncos.
Sharpe’s skill set and consistent dominance make him one of the most impactful tight ends to ever play the game.
Stay tuned as we continue ranking the greatest tight ends in NFL history and uncover the legends who defined the position.
The Greatest Tight Ends in NFL History: Ranking the Legends
Tight ends have transformed the way the game of football is played, particularly during the last 25 years, often called the Golden Age of Tight Ends. Icons like Tony Gonzalez, Rob Gronkowski, and Travis Kelce have redefined the position, leaving fans and analysts to debate who truly deserves the top spot. Let’s break down the greatest tight ends of all time, focusing on their unique contributions and legacy.
7) Kellen Winslow – San Diego Chargers
Kellen Winslow was one of the first tight ends to dominate as a downfield receiver. At 6’5” and 250 pounds, he was a nightmare for defenses and led the NFL in receptions in both 1980 and 1981.
Career Highlights
- 3-Time All-Pro
- 5-Time Pro Bowler
- 2-Time NFL Receptions Leader
- Hall of Fame Inductee, Class of 1995
- Member of the 1980s All-Decade Team, NFL 75th Anniversary Team, and NFL 100th Anniversary Team
Stats to Know:
- In 1980, Winslow caught 89 passes for 1,290 yards and 9 TDs.
- He surpassed 1,000 yards three times in his nine-season career.
While Winslow revolutionized the position with his athleticism and receiving skills, his blocking abilities didn’t match his prowess as a pass-catcher, which slightly impacts his ranking.
6) Ozzie Newsome – Cleveland Browns
Ozzie Newsome bridged the gap between old-school and modern tight ends. Known for his longevity and reliability, Newsome played an impressive 13 seasons, staying productive until his final year.
Career Highlights
- 3-Time All-Pro
- 4-Time Pro Bowler
- Member of the 1980s All-Decade Team and 1978 All-Rookie Team
- Hall of Fame Inductee
Stats to Know:
- Nearly 8,000 career receiving yards.
- One of the few tight ends to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark twice.
Newsome’s consistency and leadership made him one of the most dependable players in NFL history, leaving an indelible mark on the Cleveland Browns franchise.
5) John Mackey – Baltimore Colts
John Mackey was a pioneer for modern tight ends, combining speed, power, and big-play ability to revolutionize the position.
Career Highlights
- 3-Time All-Pro
- 5-Time Pro Bowler
- 1960s All-Decade Team
- Hall of Fame Inductee, Class of 1992
- Member of the NFL 50th and 100th Anniversary Teams
Stats to Know:
- Over 5,000 receiving yards in a 10-year career, including five seasons with 600+ yards.
- Super Bowl Champion.
Mackey’s ability to stretch the field and create mismatches laid the groundwork for the versatile tight ends we see today.
4) Antonio Gates – San Diego Chargers
Antonio Gates, a former college basketball player, went undrafted but carved out a legendary NFL career. Known for his exceptional athleticism and hands, Gates was a red-zone threat and a key part of the Chargers’ offense for 16 seasons.
Career Highlights
- 4-Time All-Pro
- 8-Time Pro Bowler
- Member of the 2000s All-Decade Team
Stats to Know:
- Two seasons with 1,000+ receiving yards.
- Holds the record for most career touchdowns by a tight end.
Gates’ journey from undrafted free agent to NFL legend is one of the greatest success stories in football history.
3) Travis Kelce – Kansas City Chiefs
Travis Kelce continues to rewrite the record books. With unmatched route-running, hands, and durability, Kelce has become the gold standard for modern tight ends.
Career Highlights
- 3-Time Super Bowl Champion
- 4-Time All-Pro
- 9-Time Pro Bowler
- Member of the 2010s All-Decade Team
Stats to Know:
- Fastest tight end to surpass 11,000 receiving yards.
- On pace to break Tony Gonzalez’s all-time receiving yards record for tight ends.
Kelce’s partnership with Patrick Mahomes and role in the Chiefs’ dynasty have elevated him into the conversation for the greatest tight end of all time.
2) Tony Gonzalez – Kansas City Chiefs, Atlanta Falcons
Tony Gonzalez set the standard for tight ends for over a decade. A true dual-threat, Gonzalez excelled as a blocker and a receiver, racking up jaw-dropping numbers throughout his career.
Career Highlights
- 6-Time All-Pro
- 14-Time Pro Bowler
- NFL Receptions Leader (2004)
- Member of the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team and 100th Anniversary Team
Stats to Know:
- 1,325 career receptions for 15,127 yards and 111 touchdowns.
- Surpassed 1,000 receiving yards four times.
Gonzalez’s dominance and longevity have earned him a place among the greatest players in NFL history, regardless of position.
1) Rob Gronkowski – New England Patriots, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Rob Gronkowski combined size, strength, and skill to dominate in every aspect of the game. Equally effective as a receiver and blocker, Gronk was instrumental in four Super Bowl victories.
Career Highlights
- 4-Time Super Bowl Champion
- 4-Time All-Pro
- 5-Time Pro Bowler
- Member of the 2010s All-Decade Team and NFL 100th Anniversary Team
Stats to Know:
- 98 career postseason catches for 1,389 yards and 15 touchdowns.
- Led the league in receiving touchdowns (17) in 2011.
Gronk’s clutch performances in the playoffs and his ability to take over games put him at the top of this list.
Honorable Mentions
- Dave Casper: Key member of the Raiders’ dynasty and known for the iconic “Ghost to the Post” catch.
- Jackie Smith: A reliable pass-catcher marred by one infamous drop in Super Bowl XIII.
- Charlie Sanders: One of the first tight ends to excel as both a blocker and receiver.
- Jerry Smith: A playmaker for the Redskins during the 1960s and 1970s.
These legends helped shape the position into what it is today, setting the stage for the current generation of elite tight ends.
Source: https://www.americanfootballinternational.com/top-10-tight-ends-in-nfl-history-where-do-kelce-and-gronk-rank/