When looking at who are the best tight ends of all time it’s important to focus on the era they were playing. By doing so we can get a more accurate measurement of their impact on the game. Let’s take a closer look and break down the greatest tight ends to play in the NFL.

10. Charlie Sanders

Picking the 10th-best tight end was the toughest choice. Charlie Sanders, the Detroit Lions legend makes the cut. The Hall of Fame tight end was considered one of the best during his 10-year career. Many credit Sanders for revolutionizing the position as he was one of the first great pass catching tight ends. Like many of the tight ends we see in today’s game, Sanders had a basketball background. This allowed him to use his athleticism to high point the ball and come up with acrobatic catches. Sanders was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007 and passed away in 2015.

9. Jason Witten

Throughout his 17-year career, Jason Witten established himself as one of the most consistent and dependable tight ends in the NFL. Known for his high football IQ, precise route-running, and reliable hands, Witten consistently produced at a high level. His toughness and leadership on and off the field earned him immense respect from teammates and coaches. Witten will always be a fan favorite in Dallas and should one day make the Hall of Fame.

8. Mike Ditka

Mike Ditka was the first ever tight end to make the Hall of Fame. As a player, he was a dominant force in both the receiving and blocking aspects of the game. Ditka’s physicality, toughness, and tenacity set the standard for future generations of tight ends. His contributions as a player and later as a successful coach further solidify his legacy. Ditka was one of the most influential figures in the history of the position.

7. Antonio Gates

Antonio Gates unique journey from college basketball player to NFL star exemplifies his exceptional athletic ability and adaptability. Gates seamlessly transitioned into football and became one of the most reliable and productive tight ends of his generation. Known for his basketball-like skills on the field, Gates utilized his size, leaping ability, and strong hands to create mismatches and consistently make big plays throughout his illustrious career with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers. He will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2024 and surely will make it in.

6. Ozzie Newsome

Ozzie Newsome’s consistent production and reliability made him one of the most respected tight ends of his era. Throughout his 13-year career with the Cleveland Browns, Newsome showcased exceptional hands, precise route running, and a knack for making crucial plays in key moments. His ability to consistently contribute as a receiver and a blocker earned him the nickname “The Wizard of Oz” and solidified his place among the best tight ends of all time.

5. Kellen Winslow Sr.

Kellen Winslow Sr.’s revolutionary contributions to the passing game set him apart as a true trailblazer at the tight end position. His exceptional receiving skills and athleticism paved the way for future generations of tight ends. Winslow Sr.’s memorable performances, including the legendary “Epic in Miami” playoff game, etched his name in NFL history and solidified his status as one of the all-time greats.

4. Shannon Sharpe

Shannon Sharpe’s remarkable speed and versatility made him a game-changer at the tight end position. His ability to stretch the field and make explosive plays resulted in three Super Bowl victories and numerous records. Sharpe’s impact as both a receiver and a blocker showcases the diverse skill set that sets him apart in the annals of tight end history. Sharpe continues to make an impact in the sports industry as a media personality.

3. Tony Gonzalez

Tony Gonzalez’s 17-year career is a testament to his unparalleled consistency and exceptional receiving skills. Known for his precise route running and sure hands, Gonzalez set the standard for modern tight ends. His ability to contribute as a blocker and a receiver, along with his record-breaking statistics, solidifies his position as one of the greatest tight ends of all time.

2. Travis Kelce

At age 33, Travis Kelce is showing no signs of slowing down. Kelce and Patrick Mahomes are the greatest quarterback/tight end duo the game has ever seen. Kelce possesses elite route-running abilities and the shiftiness of a wide receiver. With 2 Super Bowl titles already under his belt, the 8-time All-Pro tight end will no doubt be enshrined in the Hall of Fame.

1. Rob Gronkowski

Rob Gronkowski’s combination of size, strength, and athleticism makes him a matchup nightmare for any defense. His ability to overpower defenders and make acrobatic catches in the red zone has made him one of the most dominant tight ends in history. Gronkowski’s rapport with Tom Brady resulted in numerous record-breaking seasons and four Super Bowl championships, cementing his legacy as the best tight end of all time.

Looking for more all-time great lists? Check out our top 10 quarterbacks of all time feature.

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By: Jake Rajala

The former Dallas Cowboys mythical tight end Jason Witten famously broke a door in the draft process because he slid to the third round. It would be an understatement to say Witten was motivated to begin work with the Boys. Witten made his first of many Pro Bowls in his second season. He would not only unleash a legendary Cowboys career, but he would have one of the best TE journies of all time. Tony Romo’s best friend officially retired from a 17-season career in the 2021 off-season.

With that enunciated, there is a fascinating, pivotal question that surrounds the Cowboys play-maker: Is Witten a future Hall of Famer? Well, I’m going to untwine his production and compare his career to a fellow HOF-bound TE.

Jason Witten’s career marks

• 13,046 career receiving yards
• 74 career receiving touchdowns
• 11-time Pro Bowl selection
• Two-time All-Pro selection

It’s clear that Witten was an unstoppable weapon for the Cowboys on 11 different occasions. He wasn’t able to garner his elusive Super Bowl ring, but he did still go down as the Boys all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards. He’s also the Boys second-time leader in receiving touchdowns.

Here is a sharp look at how Witten’s career production compares to the output of Antonio Gates, Shannon Sharpe, and Kellen Winslow.

Antonio Gates’s career marks

• Eight Pro Bowl-selection
• Three-time All-Pro selection
• 11,841 career receiving yards
• 116 career receiving touchdowns
• Three-time All-Pro selection

Gates and Witten clearly have similar career production. Witten has a bit more yardage than Gates, but the former Chargers freak TE noticeably has more TDs than Witten. Both TEs have at least two All-Pro nods (of course, Gates has one more AP spot than Witten). I believe that Gates’s career accomplishments should make Witten feel confident about his chances of getting into Canton. It should be noted that both TEs have dominated in their football lives, but neither has won an SB ring.

I have no doubt that Witten will make it into the HOF. However, I believe his empty SB closet means he won’t be a first-ballot HOFer. I still foresee him getting into football heaven shortly after he is eligible.

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The former Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen was one of the top TEs in the NFL for many years and he was quietly a big reason why Cam Newton won MVP in 2015 and led the Panthers to the Super Bowl. Olsen was a stud with the Chicago Bears when he was drafted by them in 2007, but he did ascend into a consistent, elite TE when he transitioned to the Panthers in 2011.

The world knows Olsen was a wonderful, unique player, and he was also one of the three finalists for Walter Payton Man of The Year in 2018. Although, there is a question that many Panthers fans, fantasy owners of Olsen, and NFL fans ask: will Olsen make it into the Hall of Fame? Well, here is how Olsen compares to a current Hall of Fame TE, a likely future first-ballot HOF TE, and a TE that will make the NFL Hall of Fame in the distant future.

*stats are according to Pro Football Reference

Here is a look at Olsen’s career

• 8,683 career receving yards
• 60 career receving touchdowns
• Three-time Pro Bowl selection
• zero Super Bowl wins
• zero All-Pro teams

Jason Witten

• 11 time Pro Bowl selection
• 130,046 career receving yards
• Two-time All-Pro selection
• 74 career receving touchdowns

Tony Gonzalez

• 15,127 career receving yards
• 111 career receving touchdowns
• Six-Time All-Pro selection
• 14-time Pro Bowl selection

Travis Kelce

• 9,006 career receving yards
• 57 career receving touchdowns
• Three-time All-Pro
• Super Bowl champion

It’s clearly difficult and rare for a TE to make it into the Hall of Fame. Gonzalez was a first-ballot Hall of Famer, but he really cemented himself as a Top 3 TE of all time in his journey with KC and ATL. The world knows that Robert Gronkowski, who has a plethora of championship rings and records, is a first-ballot Hall of Famer. I believe that Kelce is an interesting case and Olsen stands a slightly better chance to be compared to him than Gronk.

Kelce doesn’t blow Olsen away in total production, as he actually has fewer career-receiving touchdowns. Although, Kelce still has a few years left in his career, to say the least. Kelce also has the record for the most 1,000 yard seasons in a row (six) and he looks to keep climbing the ladder. Furthermore, Kelce has a Super Bowl ring. I do believe that Kelce will have to have another All-Pro season or Super Bowl ring to be a first-ballot HOF, but he certainly is already a future Hall of Famer and he likely will be a first-ballot HOF when he hangs up his cleats. It’s clear why Gonzalez is in the HOF and why Kelce will be a soon-to-be Hall of Famer.

Witten and Olsen are retired and they will not be first-ballot Hall of Famers. Yet, Witten is absolutely a lock to make it into Canton at some point. With that said, does that provide hope for Olsen? Unfortunately, I don’t foresee Olsen making it into Canton. Witten has several more Pro Bowl honors and significantly more career-receiving yards in his career. Nonetheless, it will still take a while for Witten to make it into the Hall of Fame. Olsen was a true pillar of dominance and consistency, but he wasn’t a consistently Top 3 TE, he doesn’t have a Super Bowl ring, and his career marks in yards and touchdowns aren’t cream of the crop in the TE category. Olsen was a gift from the football gods, but he won’t be enshrined in gold.

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By: Jake Rajala

The Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has many tight end records, impressive individual game performances, and he’s already won a Super Bowl. Kelce, who has a brother named Jason, is already recognized as a Top 10 TE in NFL history. The question is: if he retired today, would he be cast into Canton as a first-ballot of Hall of Famer?

Let’s take a sharp look into the career of Kelce and see if he has done enough to be a future Hall of Famer already. Here is an overview of Kelce’s magical football journey:

• 57 career receving touchdowns
• 9,006 career receving yards
• 704 career receptions
• Seven time Pro Bowl selection
• Three time All-Pro selection
• Super Bowl LVI champion
• Three missed games in the past eight seasons

Kelce has the record for the most 1,000 yard seasons by a TE and it’s clear he’s an elite TE with not only Patrick Mahomes but QBs like Alex Smith, too. The Chiefs TE is as much of a product of Pat Mahomes, as he is of Andy Reid. It’s fair to say that Kelce is more efficient and dominant with Mahomes, nonetheless. Kelce has been even led the team in yards in two of the past three seasons with Mahomes at QB.

So, it’s clear that Kelce is a gifted player and athlete. Well, here’s a look at how he compares to a few of the tight ends from the 2000s that have made the Hall of Fame or will most likely make the Hall of Fame.

Shannon Sharpe

• 10,060 career receiving yards
• 62 career receving touchdowns
• four time All-Pro
• Three time Super Bowl champion
• Inducted in 2011

Tony Gonzalez

• 15,127 career receving yards
• 111 career receving touchdowns
• six time All Pro
• Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019

Jason Witten

• 13,046 career receving yards
• 74 career receving touchdowns
• two time All Pro selection

Robert Gronkowski

• 9,286 career receving yards
• 92 career recevieing touchdowns
• Four time All-Pro selection
• Four Super Bowl rings

It’s well known that it’s not easy for a tight end to make it into the Hall of Fame. Although, TEs were not generally thought of as dominant slot catching machines until the 2000s. I believe if Kelce retired today or played a modest season in 2022 and unexpectedly decided to retire after next season, he would have a similar career resume as Witten. The Cowboys special TE isn’t a first-ballot Hall of Famer like Gonzalez, but he will surely get into Canton.

If Kelce wins another Super Bowl (at least) and makes another All-Pro team, I expect him to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. He wouldn’t match the Super Bowl count of Sharpe or production of the legendary TE Gonzalez, but he would have a really impressive combination of regular-season success and Super Bowl victories.

I foresee Kelce making a few more Pro Bowls, obtaining at least one more All-Pro honor, and I believe that Mahomes, Hill, and Kelce will win one more Super Bowl together. If Kelce wins two Super Bowls and fails to make another All-Pro team, he deserves to still be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Furthermore, if he earns two All-Pro honors and somehow can’t reel in another Super Bowl ring, I expect that path to help him get into Canton with his first open door. He still has a bit of work to do in order to be a “first-ballot Hall of Famer”, but I expect him to follow Gonzalez as a first-ballot Hall of Famer when he hangs up his cleats.

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