NFL tight ends with most receiving yards in NFL history ft. Travis Kelce
Tight ends are some of the most dynamic players in the NFL. They are often asked to help out their offense in a number of areas. Blocking and receiving are usually their main two responsibilities. Tight ends must be able to set the edge in the rushing game, help with chipping opposing teams pass rushers, and also run routes for their quarterback as a receiver.
While blocking is always important within an offensive scheme, the greatest tight ends in NFL history have made a name for themselves through their dominance in the passing game. The truly elite class in the position has racked up a ton of receiving yards during their careers, including these five who have the most of any TE ever.
#5 - Tight End (TE) Shannon Sharpe - 9,961 receiving yards
Shannon Sharpe retired following the 2003 season with the most receiving yards by any TE in NFL history. He still tanks inside the top five of all time. He won three Super Bowl rings, including two with the Denver Broncos and one with the Baltimore Ravens, on his way to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
#4 - TE Travis Kelce - 10,045 receiving yards
Travis Kelce became the fourth TE in NFL history to exceed 10,000 receiving yards. He did so during the 2022 NFL season, his tenth year with the Kansas City Chiefs. He is the only player in the top five who is still active in the NFL. He has a legitimate shot at eventually taking over as the all-time receiving leader among tight ends.
#3 - TE Antonio Gates - 11,841 receiving yards
Antonio Gates spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Chargers. He was one of the most consistently dominant tight ends of all time. He was also one of the greatest red zone threats in NFL history. He leads all tight ends with 116 career touchdowns. He is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
#2- TE Jason Witten - 13,046 receiving yards
Jason Witten is one of the most underrated players in NFL history as he rarely gets mentioned among the true legends in the position. He belongs in the conversations among the greatest ever. He is one of only two TEs ever to exceed 13,000 career receiving yards, and also one of only two to surpass 1,000 career receptions. He did so mostly with the Dallas Cowboys before ending his career with the Las Vegas Raiders.
#1 - TE Tony Gonzalez - 15,127 receiving yards
Tony Gonzalez split his career between the Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons. He was one of the best overall players in the entire NFL, as demonstrated by his ten All-Pro selections. He is the all-time leader in the position with yards and touchdowns, while being a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He is widely considered the GOAT in his position.