NFL fans love to debate who the GOAT is. Tom Brady is considered the overall NFL GOAT. However, football fans still love to debate who the best is at each position. These conversations typically revolve around quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs. However, Rob Gronkowski's recent retirement announcement leaves many wondering where he ranks all-time amongst tight ends.
Some consider him to be the best to ever play the position. Others wouldn't even rank him in the top 5. It comes down to matter of opinion.
But you would be hard pressed to leave him outside of the top 3 greatest tight ends of all-time. And in all reality, he belongs at the forefront of the list.
Here are 3 reasons Rob Gronkowski is the greatest tight end in NFL history.
3 reasons Rob Gronkowski is the greatest tight end in NFL history
Receiving/blocking balance
There have been many incredible tight ends throughout the history of the game. However, the position has evolved over time.
It was once considered purely an extra blocker who was technically eligible to catch passes. But now there are plenty of tight ends who are primary targets for quarterbacks. Blocking has even become a secondary talent for some of today's tight ends.
But Gronk always combined a solid balance of receiving and blocking. His main competition for greatest tight ends of all-time featured similar skill sets. Tony Gonzalez, Antonio Gates, and Shannon Sharpe all did both things well.
However, Sharpe was more known for his elite blocking prowess. Although, he was a terrific pass catcher as well.
But Gonzalez and Gates both standout. They have more receptions, touchdowns, and receiving yards than Gronk. However, they also played far more games than Gronkowski. Gonzalez played 270 games which is second most all-time for a tight end. Gates's mark of 236 games is third. Meanwhile, Gronk played just 143 games which leaves him tied for 18th.
Although some may penalize him for playing less games, Gronk's production based on games he played is unparalleled. His 64.9 receiving yards per game places him second all-time.
And his blocking ability was impressive as well. He was a stalwart on the offensive line thanks to his massive 6'6, 265 pound frame.
But the next two reasons are what sets him apart from the rest.
Championships
In addition to being a 4-time first-team NFL All-Pro, 5-time Pro Bowler, and member of the NFL 2010's All-Decade team, Rob Gronkowski earned 4 Super Bowl victories during his time in the league. Despite being injured in 2016, Gronk still played a role in helping the Patriots reach the big game during that season.
And he was a major factor in each of the other three Super Bowls he won.
Even if you don't consider the 2016 Super Bowl, Gronk's 3 other rings place him well in front of Gates and Gonzalez. Meanwhile, Sharpe also won 3, per Statmuse.
But Gronk's 364 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns in his Super Bowl career are well ahead of Sharpe's 8 receptions and 69 receiving yards in the Super Bowl.
Rob Gronkowski stepped up in big moments. He was clutch.
Gronk made the GOAT even better
Tom Brady wouldn't be where he is today without Rob Gronkowski.
Would Brady still have been an incredible QB without Gronk? Probably. But odds are he wouldn't have won as many Super Bowls without him. And Brady's overall stats would have been less impressive.
Between Gronkowski's pass catching ability, yards gained after receptions, and blocking ability, there is no question Gronk made Tom Brady even better.
Rob Gronkowski is the greatest tight end of all-time.
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