Top 10 NFL Tight Ends of All Time: Who Made the Cut?

The Daily Ranker reveals the 10 greatest NFL tight ends of all time, showcasing their remarkable contributions to the game. Tight ends are often viewed as a quarterback’s best ally on the field, fulfilling diverse roles as pass-catchers, blockers, and sometimes excelling in both areas.

But who truly stands out among the elite tight ends in NFL history? 

Since the league’s inception in 1920, numerous talents have graced the turf, yet only a select few have showcased the combination of impressive statistics, enduring careers, and significant victories to earn their place among the best.

According to FOX Sports Research, an analysis of the numbers has led to the ranking of the top 10 tight ends in NFL history.

While some familiar names dominate the upper tier, there are also unexpected entries that have made the cut based on their performances. How does your favorite tight end measure up? 

Let’s examine the rankings:

1. Tony Gonzalez

Tony Gonzalez spent the first 12 years of his career with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he established franchise records in all three major receiving categories. His remarkable career culminated in his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019.

Travis Kelce, recognized as the finest tight end of his era, is the only active player featured on this list. He surpassed Gonzalez to become the Chiefs’ all-time leader in every receiving category. Kelce ranks among the top five tight ends in NFL history for receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. His impressive achievements include three Super Bowl victories with Kansas City and an unmatched postseason record, holding the highest receiving yards (1,903), receptions (165), and touchdowns (19) among tight ends in playoff history. He has received seven All-Pro selections and nine Pro Bowl nods.

3. Antonio Gates

Alongside Gonzalez, Antonio Gates is one of only two tight ends to achieve over 100 receiving touchdowns, finishing his career with 116, the seventh-most in NFL history across all positions. Gates holds the record for the Chargers in receptions (955), receiving yards (11,841), and touchdown catches. He was selected for eight consecutive Pro Bowls from 2004 to 2011 and earned six All-Pro honors during that period, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest red-zone threats in football.

4. Rob Gronkowski

Rob Gronkowski, affectionately known as “Gronk,” was a dominant force at tight end throughout his 11-year career. Despite facing injuries, he secured four Super Bowl titles and shattered numerous records. His standout 2011 season saw him set the single-season record for touchdown catches by a tight end with 17. Gronkowski was also the first tight end to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in a playoff career until Kelce matched that feat. He ranks second in NFL history for games with over 100 receiving yards among tight ends, trailing only Kelce.

5. Jason Witten

6. Shannon Sharpe

Shannon Sharpe, a three-time Super Bowl champion and Hall of Fame inductee, ranks among the elite tight ends with over 10,000 career receiving yards. His memorable 2002 performance against the Chiefs, where he recorded 214 receiving yards, set the NFL single-game record for tight ends. With 815 receptions, he stands fifth among tight ends, while his 62 touchdown catches place him eighth overall. Sharpe’s induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame occurred in 2011.

7. Greg Olsen

Greg Olsen crafted an impressive 14-year career that solidified his status as one of the game’s finest tight ends. With 8,683 receiving yards and 742 receptions, he ranks seventh all-time among tight ends, while his 60 touchdown catches tie him for ninth. Notably, Olsen became the first tight end in NFL history to achieve three consecutive seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards, a feat he accomplished from 2014 to 2016.

8. Jackie Smith 

Jackie Smith once held the record for the most receiving yards by a tight end in a single game before Shannon Sharpe surpassed it in 2002. Smith’s impressive 212-yard performance against the Steelers in 1963 remains a highlight of his career. He recorded 22 games with over 100 receiving yards, ranking fifth among tight ends, and was known for his blocking prowess. His versatility earned him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994.

9. Mike Ditka

Mike Ditka made an immediate impact upon joining the Chicago Bears. In his rookie season of 1961, he became the first tight end to exceed 1,000 receiving yards. This achievement stood for decades until Kyle Pitts matched it in 2021. Ditka is one of only four tight ends to catch four touchdowns in a single game. Renowned for his blocking skills and football IQ, he earned five Pro Bowl selections and made five All-Pro teams. Ditka’s legacy includes winning a Super Bowl as a player in 1971 and another as a head coach in 1986. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988.

10. Jimmy Graham

Jimmy Graham is a notable addition to this list, having played 13 seasons in the NFL. He ranks eighth in receiving yards (8,545), eighth in receptions (719), and fourth in receiving touchdowns (89) among tight ends. Graham recorded 17 games with multiple touchdown catches, trailing only Gates, Gronkowski, and Gonzalez. His standout 2011 season, where he amassed 1,310 receiving yards, set the single-season record for tight ends before being surpassed by several players, including Kelce and Kittle.

Honorable Mention

• Vernon Davis
• Ozzie Newsome
• Kellen Winslow
• George Kittle

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