The Tight End position has gone through the most changes of any position on the football field during NFL History. This article will rank the Top 10 Tight Ends of all time as a list and the reason they place where they place.
5. Kellen Winslow Sr.
One of the revolutionary players of the position Kellen Winslow Sr. partnered with Dan Fouts, to help make one of the greatest offensives of all time in “Air Coryell.” Winslow led the NFL in receptions as a tight end in back to back seasons in 1980 and 1981.
Winslow was also selected as a first team all pro three consecutive seasons from 1980-1982. Winslow unfortunately only played nine seasons and retired at the age of 30 which is why he isn’t higher on this list.
Even with the shorter career Winlsow is known as one of the greatest receiving tight ends of all time and helped revolutionize the position by playing in the slot.
4. Travis Kelce
By the time he retires Kelce should easily be number one on this list as he will shatter every receiving record for a tight end, and if he stays with the Chiefs he could also have the most championships.
Kelce is one of the greatest route running as a tight end of all time, and has uncanny ability to make defenders miss and be a threat after the catch. Kelce is a four time first team all pro and has seven consecutive seasons with 1,000 yards receiving.
Kelce is already fourth all time in receiving yards as a tight end, and fourth in touchdowns as a tight end. Kelce is also one of the best playoff players of all time averaging 86.0 yards per game and has 16 touchdowns in 18 games.
3. Rob Gronkowski
Rob Gronkowski is the most dominant tight end of all time, and he might be one of the most dominant overall players of all time. He ranks 12th all time in touchdowns of the and third all time as a tight end.
Gronkowski was a four time first team all pro and has the record for most receiving touchdowns in a season of all time as a tight end with 17. Gronkowski was also probably the greatest blocking tight end of all time.
The reason he only ranks third is his injury history and shorter career than other guys on this list. Gronkowski also has won four Super Bowls which is the most of all time by a tight end.
2. John Mackey
John Mackey was given the number 88 at Syracuse because the coach thought he would be twice as good as Jim Brown. That may not have been the case, but Mackey was still one of the greatest players of all time.
Mackey was selected to a first team all pro three consecutive times from 1966-1968. Mackey was also one of the greatest blocking tight ends of all time, as he was used as a tackle on some plays during his career.
Mackey had tremendous speed and hands as well, and he helped the Baltimore Colts win one NFL championship and one Super Bowl.
1. Tony Gonzalez
Tony Gonzalez ranks this high due to his longevity. He is the all time leading in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. Gonzalez has the most first team all pro selections as a tight end of all time with six.
Gonzalez was also a very good blocker, and developed into having some of the most consistent hands of all time. Gonzalez also ranks top five in receiving yards of all time regardless of positions.
Gonzalez’s only knock on his career was that he never won a championship, but due to his longevity that over ranks it. Gonzalez also has the second most pro bowls of all time, trailing only Tom Brady.
