#2 – Rob Gronkowski
I remember a few years ago when I first made this list there was anarchy after not ranking Rob Gronkowski as the best Tight End ever. I always try to lean away from recency bias because you never know what can happen before the career finishes and what do you know… he retires.
Even if he were to stay retired and not join the Bucs, I still think I would have to rank him second on this list. I don’t think he gets nearly enough credit for his impact on the Patriots throughout his career.
He had trouble staying healthy throughout, but when healthy he was a nightmare for opposing defenses. Even a hobbled Gronkowski was mauling defenders as it was clear he was on his own level when it came to blocking at the Tight End position. Then when it came to pass catching, that’s what put him in the best ever category. Nobody his size should be able to move the way he does. From one-handed catches to runs after the catch he had no right making, Rob Gronkowski’s career highlights are jaw dropping.
The longevity and consistency is the only thing that keeps me from ranking him first on this list. If he plays a few more years and continues to have success I will change my tone. Until then I consider him number 2 on this list.
#1 – Tony Gonzalez
There are players on this list with the dominance in their prime. Others who were consistently great with longevity. Tony Gonzalez is the perfect example of someone consistently dominant throughout his entire career.
He had glue hands and a basketball background to allow him to use his body to shield off defenders. Even as a blocker Tony G was on of the men paving the way for 1000+ yard rushing seasons for Priest Holmes, Larry Johnson and even the aging Michael Turner.
You look at Gronk and he had the pleasure of having Tom Brady throw to him most of his career. Tony Gonzalez didn’t have that luxury. He was extremely dominant with the Kansas City Chiefs without ever having much of a supporting cast.
In his best season he recorded 102 receptions and 1258 yards in spectacular fashion. That led the Falcons to make a move for him where he would go on to have a strong finish to his career.
Another player who it just pains me to see not have a Super Bowl. He did it all at the Tight End position and was on some pretty good Falcons teams. It just wasn’t meant to be.
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