Did Latest Tight End Rankings Slight Chiefs Travis Kelce?

Was Chiefs Travis Kelce Overlooked in Tight End Rankings?

Tony Gonzalez has perhaps the most impressive combination of longevity and peak performance of any tight end in NFL history, so he deserves the top spot in the tight end ranking. The former Chiefs legend earned 14 Pro Bowl selections in his career while hauling in 1,325 receptions for 15,127 yards and 111 touchdowns throughout his 17-year career and remained a great player when he hung up the cleats following his age-37 season.

The argument between Rob Gronkowski and Travis Kelce, meanwhile, boils down to the value placed on longevity versus peak performance. Travis Kelce is a phenomenal player and one of the greatest talents in history, but the Chiefs tight end didn’t quite match up to Gronkowski at their respective peaks. Put simply, peak Rob Gronkowski had no peers, as the 6′-6″, 265-pound tight end moved like a wide receiver, ran past linebackers, and overpowered safeties on every single snap while blocking like an offensive lineman. Kelce is a great player, but Gronkowski had no weaknesses in his game.

Unfortunately, he struggled to stay on the field. The big tight end suffered a vast array of injuries and retired after “only” 11 seasons. Kelce, by comparison, has stayed relatively healthy throughout his playing days and has eclipsed Gronkowski in yards and receptions, although Gronkowski’s 92 touchdowns still exceed Kelce’s 77.