# The 16 Best NFL Tight Ends of All Time

> Bruising blockers, red-zone nightmares, and pass-catching pioneers from every era of pro football go head to head. Legends and modern stars alike. Cast your vote!

*By YPB Team · Published August 16, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/the-16-best-nfl-tight-ends-of-all-time*

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## Current results (4 votes)

1. **Rob Gronkowski** — 50% (2 votes · score 1000/1000)
   The dominant Patriots tight end and four-time Super Bowl champion who redefined the position.
2. **Tony Gonzalez** — 25% (1 votes · score 952/1000)
   The all-time leader in receptions among tight ends and a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
3. **Todd Christensen** — 25% (1 votes · score 633/1000)
   The Raiders receiving leader who led the NFL in catches twice in the 1980s.
4. **Vernon Davis** — 0% (0 votes · score 621/1000)
   The explosive 49ers tight end and Super Bowl champion known for his athleticism.
5. **Antonio Gates** — 0% (0 votes · score 548/1000)
   The former college basketball player who became one of the greatest scoring tight ends with the Chargers.
6. **Jimmy Graham** — 0% (0 votes · score 548/1000)
   The Saints matchup nightmare who redefined the red-zone tight end.
7. **Ozzie Newsome** — 0% (0 votes · score 548/1000)
   The Browns Hall of Famer nicknamed the 'Wizard of Oz' for his sure hands.
8. **Mike Ditka** — 0% (0 votes · score 464/1000)
   The Bears icon who became the first tight end inducted into the Hall of Fame.
9. **Greg Olsen** — 0% (0 votes · score 464/1000)
   The Panthers standout and first tight end to top 1,000 yards in three straight seasons.
10. **Shannon Sharpe** — 0% (0 votes · score 464/1000)
   The three-time champion and Hall of Famer known for his blocking and receiving.
11. **John Mackey** — 0% (0 votes · score 365/1000)
   The Colts trailblazer who transformed the tight end into a downfield threat.
12. **Mark Bavaro** — 0% (0 votes · score 365/1000)
   The rugged Giants tight end and two-time Super Bowl champion of the 1980s.
13. **Travis Kelce** — 0% (0 votes · score 365/1000)
   The Chiefs' record-setting tight end and multiple-time Super Bowl champion.
14. **Jason Witten** — 0% (0 votes · score 365/1000)
   The Cowboys stalwart and 11-time Pro Bowler among the most productive tight ends ever.
15. **George Kittle** — 0% (0 votes · score 365/1000)
   The 49ers' elite blocking-and-receiving tight end and perennial All-Pro.
16. **Kellen Winslow** — 0% (0 votes · score 249/1000)
   The Chargers Hall of Famer who helped pioneer the modern pass-catching tight end.

Tags: usa, players, nfl, tight ends