The debate among fans of which player is the greatest tight end in NFL history is always ongoing, but it has picked up steam in February 2025, after several notable events involving Kansas City Chiefs stud Travis Kelce. Grading every NFL tight end: Kelsey and ex-New England Patriots & Tampa Bay Buccaneers marksman Rob Gronkowski have each made their imprint on the position.
Rob Gronkowski: A Standard of Greatness
Perhaps the most complete tight end in NFL history, Robert Gronkowski, known simply as the “Gronk,” was simply one of the best to ever do it. From 2010 through 2020, he won four Super Bowls and a raft of individual honors during his career. The combination of receiving and blocking skills Gronkowski possessed raised the bar for the position. He retired with 621 receptions, 9,286 receiving yards, and 92 touchdowns. He was a key factor in the success of his teams, thanks to his combination of physicality and versatility, which made him a ferocious opponent on the ball.
Travis Kelce: A New Kind of Tight End
Travis Kelce has been the foundation of the Kansas City Chiefs since he joined the team in 2013. Renowned for his elite route-running and dependable hands, Kelce has long served as a favored target in the Chiefs’ high-octane offense. He is the NFL leader in most consecutive seasons with more than 1,000 receiving yards by a tight end, a mark he hit in seven seasons. As of the 2024 season, Kelce would have amassed over 12,000 receiving yards and an impressive 77 touchdowns, showcasing his dominance in the position.
Latest Updates: Kelce Considering Retirement
After the Chiefs’ loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 10, 2025, in which they were defeated 40–22, Kelce’s NFL career has faced scrutiny. He was 35, and in the championship game, he made four catches for 39 yards, which some analysts rated as subpar. Since then, Kelce has spoken about the physical and mental toll of the game and that fans can count on him for the 2025 season if and only if he’s all in. He said he is committed to supporting his teammates and coaches throughout the aftereffects of this decision as he considers his future.
So what would a comparable career for Kelce look like?
So when comparing Gronkowski and Kelce, here are the points at business:
Playing Style: Gronkowski was best known as a dual-threat tight end who was a dominant receiver and also one of the best-blocking tight ends in the history of the league. His physicality gave him an impact in the passing and running games. Though a solid blocker, Kelce has largely been used as a receiving tight end, often as the centerpiece of the Chiefs’ passing game.
Statistical Achievements: Kelce’s ability to average high receiving yard totals is unmatched, consistently breaking the 1,000-yard barrier in multiple seasons. Even though he played for a shorter period, Gronkowski averaged more than six touchdowns per game, emphasizing just how effective he was in the red zone.
Playoff Performance: Both men have been integral to their teams’ success in the playoffs. Gronkowski’s postseason resume includes 98 catches for 1,389 yards and 15 touchdowns in 22 games. Kelce is also been an impactful postseason player, with several crucial catches and touchdowns as part of the Chiefs’ two Super Bowl trips and victories.
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A Snap Shot on GOAT debate
These are now subjective, multi-faceted discussions of the best tight end in ever — ever — but come the postseason, K.G. is going to start getting deeper into the national discussion of it. Gronkowski’s advocates point to his well-rounded game and the contributions he made to several championship teams. Kelce’s supporters cite his record-setting receiving statistics and his role in the evolution of the tight end position into a primary offensive weapon.
