Happy National Tight Ends Day! Ranking Top NFL TEs of All Time
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
1. Tony Gonzalez
Before there was Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift, Tony Gonzalez was a rock star in KC. To say there is something in the water in the AFC West, specifically in Kansas City, for breeding tight ends would be an understatement. That said, our fourth TE out of the division is head and shoulders above the rest of his counterparts.
Gonzalez set the standard for the modern era of tight ends. Over a 17-season career, primarily with the Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons, Gonzalez amassed 15,127 receiving yards and 111 touchdowns, making him the all-time leader in both categories for tight ends. What makes Gonzalez's accomplishments even more impressive is his consistency, recording 1,000+ receiving yards in four seasons and catching 90+ passes in five different years.
Despite never winning a Super Bowl, Gonzalez was a 14-time Pro Bowler, 6-time First-Team All-Pro, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019. His blend of size, athleticism, and durability allowed him to redefine the tight end position, serving as both a pass-catcher and a reliable blocker throughout his career.
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5. Kellen Winslow
Considered the first modern-era tight end, Kellen Winslow revolutionized the position with his unique combination of size, speed, and receiving ability. A Hall of Famer and a key player for the San Diego Chargers in the 1980s, Winslow recorded 6,741 receiving yards and 45 touchdowns in just nine seasons. His most memorable performance came in the 1981 AFC Divisional Playoff, where he caught 13 passes for 166 yards and blocked a game-tying field goal, earning him legendary status.
Winslow was a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time First-Team All-Pro, and his impact on the game can still be seen in today’s pass-heavy NFL. Often lined up as a wide receiver, Winslow's ability to stretch the field changed the way offenses utilized the tight end position, making him a true pioneer.
4. Rob Gronkowski
A four-time Super Bowl champion, Rob Gronkowski is the epitome of a game-changer at the tight end position. "Gronk" was not only a dominant receiving threat but also a devastating blocker, making him a complete player. Over his 11 seasons, mostly with the New England Patriots, Gronkowski recorded 9,286 receiving yards and 92 touchdowns, including a record-setting 17 touchdowns in a single season (2011).
Gronk was a five-time Pro Bowler and four-time First-Team All-Pro selection and was a vital piece in the Patriots' dynasty. Injuries shortened his career, but his ability to take over games, particularly in the postseason, makes him one of the most iconic players in NFL history. Gronkowski's combination of size, strength, and football IQ made him a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses.
It's only a matter of time before the Hall comes calling.
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3. Travis Kelce
Still active and playing at an elite level, Travis Kelce has already etched his name among the all-time greats. The Kansas City Chiefs star is known for his ability to gain yards after the catch and his unmatched consistency, becoming the first tight end to record seven consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Kelce has been a critical part of the Chiefs' offensive success, helping lead the team to three Super Bowl victories, including a Super Bowl LIV win where he was a key factor.
With over 11,000 receiving yards and more than 70 touchdowns, Kelce is well on his way to joining the Hall of Fame once he retires. A five-time First-Team All-Pro and eight-time Pro Bowler, Kelce continues to be among the best at his position. His chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes has made him nearly unstoppable in today's NFL.
2. Antonio Gates
Known for his incredible red zone prowess, Antonio Gates is second only to our next entry in career touchdowns by a tight end, finishing with 116. A former college basketball player, Gates brought exceptional athleticism to the tight end position, using his 6'4" frame and elite body control to become a mismatch nightmare for defenders. Gates played his entire career with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers, where he earned eight Pro Bowl selections and five All-Pro honors.
Despite never winning a Super Bowl, his 11,841 receiving yards and 955 receptions cement his legacy as one of the greatest offensive weapons in NFL history. Gates revolutionized how teams used tight ends in the red zone, paving the way for future stars like Rob Gronkowski and Travis Kelce. His impact on the game will be felt for years to come.
1. Tony Gonzalez
Before there was Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift, Tony Gonzalez was a rock star in KC. To say there is something in the water in the AFC West, specifically in Kansas City, for breeding tight ends would be an understatement. That said, our fourth TE out of the division is head and shoulders above the rest of his counterparts.
Gonzalez set the standard for the modern era of tight ends. Over a 17-season career, primarily with the Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons, Gonzalez amassed 15,127 receiving yards and 111 touchdowns, making him the all-time leader in both categories for tight ends. What makes Gonzalez's accomplishments even more impressive is his consistency, recording 1,000+ receiving yards in four seasons and catching 90+ passes in five different years.
Despite never winning a Super Bowl, Gonzalez was a 14-time Pro Bowler, 6-time First-Team All-Pro, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019. His blend of size, athleticism, and durability allowed him to redefine the tight end position, serving as both a pass-catcher and a reliable blocker throughout his career.
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5. Kellen Winslow
Considered the first modern-era tight end, Kellen Winslow revolutionized the position with his unique combination of size, speed, and receiving ability. A Hall of Famer and a key player for the San Diego Chargers in the 1980s, Winslow recorded 6,741 receiving yards and 45 touchdowns in just nine seasons. His most memorable performance came in the 1981 AFC Divisional Playoff, where he caught 13 passes for 166 yards and blocked a game-tying field goal, earning him legendary status.
Winslow was a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time First-Team All-Pro, and his impact on the game can still be seen in today’s pass-heavy NFL. Often lined up as a wide receiver, Winslow's ability to stretch the field changed the way offenses utilized the tight end position, making him a true pioneer.
