Top 10 Greatest NFL Tight Ends of All Time

In today’s NFL, the tight end position has become a crucial part of many teams’ offensive game plans. Teams look for tight ends who can stretch the field with their size, speed, and athleticism. They are often used as safety valves for quarterbacks when wide receivers are covered, and their versatility makes them difficult to defend against. It is not uncommon for top tight ends to have over 1,000 receiving yards and double-digit touchdowns in a season.

However, it is important to recognize the great tight ends of the past and the role they played in shaping the position. Many of the older era’s tight ends were primarily blockers and did not have the same opportunities to accumulate receiving statistics as modern tight ends. Therefore, when comparing players from different eras, it is important to consider the context of their careers and how they contributed to their teams’ success.

In the end, the greatness of a tight end should be evaluated not only on their statistics but also on their impact on the game and the legacy they leave behind. Today, I’ll be breaking down the Top 10 Greatest NFL Tight Ends of All Time.

10) Ozzie Newsome – Cleveland Browns

Ozzie Newsome, a Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end, was one of the premier players in his position during the 1980s. He was named an All-Pro five times throughout his career and finished in the top 10 in receptions three times, receiving yards once, and receiving touchdowns once. In his best season, 1984, Newsome had an impressive 89 receptions for 1001 yards and five touchdowns.

Despite his remarkable career, Newsome could never lead the Cleveland Browns to a Super Bowl victory, falling short in three AFC Championship games in four seasons, each loss to John Elway and the Denver Broncos. Nonetheless, Newsome was one of the most consistent pass-catchers of his time, catching at least one pass in 150 consecutive games and recording 50 or more catches in six consecutive seasons. Newsome retired as the Browns’ all-time leader in most receiving categories, including career receptions and yards. Finally, he was recognized for his outstanding achievements when he was elected to the 1980s All-Decade team. Not surprisingly, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999.

9) Mike Ditka – Chicago Bears

Mike Ditka was a game-changer in the tight end position during his time in the NFL. As the 5th overall pick in the 1961 NFL Draft, he made an immediate impact in his rookie season, setting the bar for all future pass-catching tight ends with 56 receptions for 1,076 yards and 12 touchdowns. He continued to be a dominant force in the league, posting a 75-catch season three years later. That’s a record that stood until the NFL moved to a 16-game schedule in back 1980.

Over the course of his 12-year career, Ditka earned five All-Pro honors and finished in the top ten in receptions, yards, and touchdowns multiple times. He was recognized for his accomplishments by being elected to the 1960s All-Decade team. Furthermore, he eventually was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988. His legacy as a pioneer of the tight end position can still be felt decades later. With many of today’s top tight ends citing Ditka as an inspiration and role model.

8) Dave Casper – Los Angeles Raiders

Dave Casper, also known as “The Ghost”, was a dominant tight end in the 1970s, known for his clutch performances and big plays. He earned four First-Team All-Pro selections and won two Super Bowls during his career. In addition, he was honored as a member of the 1970s All-Decade First Team and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002.

Casper’s most memorable moment came in a 1977 Divisional Playoff game against the Baltimore Colts. He made a spectacular over-the-head catch from quarterback Ken Stabler, which set up a game-tying field goal to force overtime. This infamous catch earned the nickname “The Ghost to the Post.” In the second overtime, Casper caught a 10-yard touchdown pass, his third of the game, to secure the victory for the Raiders. To this day, his clutch performance in that game is still remembered as one of the greatest in NFL history.

7) Shannon Sharpe – Denver Broncos

Shannon Sharpe was a seventh-round draft pick out of Savannah State College in 1990. Sharpe had to earn his stripes as he was rarely utilized in his first two seasons. Once he became the full-time starter, it was obvious he was special. Sharpe went on to seven consecutive Pro Bowls in Denver, which included five All-Pro selections. For his efforts, Sharpe was elected First Team All-Decade in the 1990s.

Sharpe went on to win three Super Bowls in his career, two with the Broncos and one with the legendary 2000 Baltimore Ravens. Additionally, Sharpe is the owner of the longest touchdown catch in NFL playoff history with a 96-yard catch that came on third-and-18 in the 2000 AFC Championship game. Recognized for his stellar career, Sharpe was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011 where his brother, former Packer star receiver Sterling Shepard presented.

6) John Mackey – Baltimore Colts

The University of Syracuse star was drafted 19th overall by the Baltimore Colts in 1963. Mackey was a unique talent in the tight-end position. As most of his counterparts were just extensions of the offensive line blocking, Mackey was a legitimate threat to take it to the house on any play. Mackey was a star from the start, making the Pro Bowl as a rookie.

Mackey was acknowledged with three First-Team All-Pro selections in his career. Furthermore, he was elected to the 1960s All-Decade Team and eventually to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992. Mackey’s best season was in 1966 when he had 50 catches for 829 yards and nine touchdowns. Despite not winning league MVP, he did receive MVP votes in both 1966 and 1968, something extremely rare at the tight end position. He finished his career with 331 catches, 5,236 receiving yards, and 38 touchdowns.

5) Antonio Gates – San Diego Chargers

Antonio Gates is a true inspiration for many. Despite not playing college football, he never gave up on his dream of playing in the NFL. His hard work and determination paid off when the San Diego Chargers saw his potential and gave him a chance to prove himself. Gates made the most of the opportunity, playing his entire 16-year career with the Chargers and becoming one of the most dominant tight ends in NFL history.

Gates was a red zone machine, setting a tight end record with 116 career touchdowns. He earned All-Pro honors five times, showcasing his ability to make game-changing plays. In recognition of his outstanding achievements, he was elected to the 2nd Team All-Decade team for the 2000s. Though he is not currently in the Hall of Fame, his impressive resume and contributions to the game make him a strong candidate for induction in the near future. All in all, Gates’ story serves as a reminder that with hard work, dedication, and a never-give-up attitude. Anything is possible.

4) Kellen Winslow Sr. – San Diego Chargers

In his relatively short nine-year career, Kellen Winslow made a significant impact on the game of football. Winslow was a crucial player in the Air Coryell offense, which dominated opposing defenses in the 1970s and 1980s. Winslow was a rare talent who led the NFL in receptions twice as a tight end and was in the top 10 in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns multiple times.

Winslow’s performance in the playoffs was also impressive. He averaged 63 yards per game in six playoff games, which is more than any of the other tight ends mentioned in this article thus far. This pace of yardage over a full 16-game season would amount to a 1,000-yard season.

Winslow’s most memorable playoff game was against the Dolphins in 1981. Despite suffering from cramps due to dehydration, he had an incredible game, with 13 catches for 166 yards and a touchdown. After a hard-fought 41-38 win, his teammates carried him off the field, making it one of the greatest moments in NFL playoff history. Overall, Winslow’s contributions to the game earned him a place on the 1980s All-Decade First Team and, ultimately, induction into the Hall of Fame in 1995.

3) Tony Gonzalez – Kansas City Chiefs

Tony Gonzalez is a true legend of the tight end position, with an outstanding 17-year career in the NFL. His numbers are unmatched by any other player at his position in history, with an incredible 1,325 catches for 15,127 yards and 111 touchdowns. Right now, he currently ranks sixth all-time in receiving yards, third all-time in receptions, and eighth all-time in receiving touchdowns. This makes him one of the most productive pass catchers in NFL history regardless of position.

Despite never winning a Super Bowl, Gonzalez’s career has a plethora of accolades. This includes an impressive 14 Pro Bowl appearances, six First-Team All-Pros, and four Second-Team All-Pros. His remarkable durability and longevity make it hard for anyone to match his dominance over such a long period of time. Furthermore, Gonzalez was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019 as a first-ballot Hall of Famer. This cemented his legacy as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history.

2) Travis Kelce – Kansas City Chiefs

Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chief tight end, is undoubtedly one of the most dominant players of the last decade. He has emerged as a major threat and has given the legendary Tony Gonzalez a run for his money. Kelce has been the go-to receiver for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, consistently outperforming his peers. He has had an impressive seven consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and has earned seven consecutive All-Pro selections.

Kelce’s standout performances come in the playoffs, where he has been nothing short of extraordinary. Although he averages 71 yards per game during the regular season, his playoff average of 86 yards per game is simply stunning. Kelce has been an absolute powerhouse in the Super Bowl, averaging 8 catches and 88 yards per game. With his crucial contributions, he has helped his team to two Super Bowl Championships in the last four years. Kelce’s record in the playoffs is unrivaled among tight ends. Ultimately, his legacy as a future first-ballot Hall of Famer is already cemented.

1) Rob Gronkowski – New England Patriots

Gronkowski, also known as Gronk, epitomizes the ideal tight end prototype. He boasts exceptional receiving skills and is a formidable run blocker. With four First Team All-Pro honors to his name, he has as many Super Bowl rings, cementing his reputation as a top-tier tight end ever. Similarly to Kelce, Gronk is renowned for his performances in the playoffs, especially in the Super Bowl. Interestingly, he has averaged eight more yards per game in the Super Bowl compared to his regular season average. Moreover, Gronk has consistently made clutch catches throughout his playoff career, whether as a Patriot or a member of the Buccaneers.

Recognized for his contributions to the game, Gronk has been named to the NFL 100 Team, which acknowledges the 100 greatest players in NFL history, and the First Team All-Decade for the 2010s. Although his career was cut short due to injuries, Gronk’s peak remains unparalleled among tight ends.

Gronkowski’s 2011 season, with 90 catches, 1,327 yards, and 17 touchdowns, is arguably the greatest ever by a tight end in history. He stands at the top of the mountain against which all tight ends are measured. With such impressive accomplishments, Gronk is undoubtedly a shoo-in for first-ballot induction into the Hall of Fame.

Honorable Mentions:

Charlie Sanders – Detroit Lions

Jason Witten – Dallas Cowboys

Jackie Smith – St. Louis Cardinals

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