Ranking the 5 greatest NFL tight ends of all time ft. Rob Gronkowski
Tight end is one of the positions in that NFL that requires a diverse skill set. The best ones in history are able to produce like a wide receiver in offensive passing schemes while contributing as an important blocker in rushing attacks.
One of the best players in this position, Rob Gronkowski, recently announced his retirement, for the second time. Many had hoped for him to return to NFL and recreate his outstanding partnership with his friend Tom Brady.
While Gronkowski has decided to not take that option, it doesn't detract from his position among the greatest tight-ends in the history of NFL. For the present-day NFL fans, he might be the most highly-regarded player in that position.
However, Gronkowski was far from being the only high-quality tight-end in his time in the league. Even today, the league has a rich assortment of highly capable players at this position.
There are currently nine tight ends enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and at least a couple more that will be inducted in the relatively near future. Of all the greats who have played the position, here are, arguably, the five best in NFL history.
Of course, such classifications are always open to debate and there are many players whose supporters will want them to be considered as among the five greatest. Still, few can dispute the greatness of the five players mentioned below.
#5 Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs
Travis Kelce is one of the best tight ends in the current generation of players. His receiving statistics have been as good as any wide receiver in the NFL over the last decade.
He is currently averaging 88 receptions for 1,125 yards and seven touchdowns per season.
Kelce has been selected to the Pro Bowl in each of the last seven seasons and has been chosen as an All-Pro in each of the last six seasons. He is already one of the most productive tight ends ever and is still going strong.
#4 Kellen Winslow, San Diego Chargers
Kellen Winslow is widely credited with revolutionizing the tight end position. He transitioned them from mostly blockers into potential offensive weapons that could be utilized like receivers and create difficult defensive matchups for opponents.
Kellen Winslow '80, the first All-Pro season for the #Chargers stud, PFHOF tight end https://t.co/vYBW0qFtf4
During his time with the San Diego Chargers, Winslow was selected to five Pro Bowls and four All-Pro teams. He led the NFL in receptions twice while eclipsing 1,000 yards in three seasons during an era where the tight ends were mainly considered as extra blockers.