Rob Gronkowski and Travis Kelce are unquestionably two of the top tight ends in NFL history. Gronkowski contributed mightily to the Patriots dynasty in the 2010s, and Kelce has done the same for the Super Bowl-champion Chiefs in recent seasons.
So it’s a natural NFL debate topic to ask which one is the better tight end. The Ringer’s Ryen Russillo recently posed the question to Gronkowski himself, and the answer was nuanced and revealing.
“It’s an argument that I don’t want to make the final decision on,” Gronkowski said on The Ryen Russillo Podcast. “It’s an argument on what type of offense you’re in, what type of style you have in the game, how they’re featuring you, what type of system you’re in.”
Who is better, Gronk or Kelce? pic.twitter.com/b3nGUPIoE5
— Savage (@SavageSports_) October 19, 2023
Although Gronkowski played the same position as Kelce, he did so in a different fashion as a more physical presence. But Gronkowski said he believes there is an element to Kelce’s game that he performs better than any other tight end in NFL history.
“I believe that Travis Kelce is the best receiving tight end, he’s the best tight end in terms of catching the ball,” Gronkowski said.
Kelce already has topped Gronkowski in career receiving yards by almost 1,000 yards, but Gronkowski scored 20 more touchdowns over the course of his career.
Gronkowski and Kelce are both 34. But although Gronkowski entered the league at 21 and retired at 32, Kelce was almost 24 when he debuted in the NFL.
Ultimately, choosing which tight end might depend on a preference of style, and Gronkowski is leaving that choice to someone else.
