When we talk about the Best Tight Ends of All Time in NFL history, we look at more than just their receiving stats. It’s about their overall impact on the game, their ability to create matchups, and how they elevate their teams. These tight ends have changed the way we view the position, and their records speak for themselves.
Let’s see the Top 10 Best Tight Ends of All Time in NFL :
10. Jimmy Graham
Jimmy Graham had a remarkable 13-year career in the NFL and is often remembered as one of the Best Tight Ends of All Time. He ranks 8th in receiving yards (8,545) and receptions (719) among tight ends, and 4th in receiving touchdowns (89). Notably, Graham had a standout 2011 season, posting 1,310 receiving yards, a record for tight ends at the time. His ability to stretch the field and create mismatches in the red zone made him a key weapon for any team.
| Team | Receiving End | Receptions | Receiving Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans Saints | Quarterback Drew Brees | 719 | 89 |
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9. Mike Ditka
Mike Ditka was more than just a tight end—he was an iconic part of the Best Tight Ends of All Time list. Known for his toughness and high football IQ, Ditka was an essential part of the Bears’ offense in the 1960s and 70s. He made an immediate impact in his rookie year by becoming the first tight end to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in a season. Ditka’s versatility and blocking skills made him a key asset, earning him five All-Pro selections and five Pro Bowl appearances. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988.
| Team | Receiving End | Receptions | Receiving Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Bears | Quarterback Jack Concannon | 427 | 43 |
8. Jackie Smith
Jackie Smith is often considered among the Best Tight Ends of All Time due to his outstanding ability to both block and catch passes. In his prime, Smith was a constant threat in the passing game, and in 1963, he set the single-game record for receiving yards by a tight end with 212 yards. A durable player, he played 16 seasons in the NFL and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994. Smith is still remembered for his physicality and reliability as a weapon in the passing game.
| Team | Receiving End | Receptions | Receiving Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis Cardinals | Quarterback Charley Johnson | 480 | 40 |
7. Greg Olsen
Greg Olsen quietly put together one of the best careers for a tight end in NFL history and certainly belongs among the Best Tight Ends of All Time. With over 8,600 receiving yards and 742 receptions, Olsen was a reliable target for his quarterbacks. He was the first tight end to record three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, a testament to his consistency and skill. Though he didn’t win a Super Bowl, his impact on the Panthers and his ability to create opportunities in the red zone makes him a top-tier tight end.
| Team | Receiving End | Receptions | Receiving Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carolina Panthers | Quarterback Cam Newton | 742 | 60 |
6. Shannon Sharpe
A three-time Super Bowl champion, Shannon Sharpe was one of the most dynamic tight ends of the 1990s and early 2000s, and one of the greatest Best Tight Ends of All Time. Sharpe was a matchup nightmare thanks to his speed and ability to create separation. He finished his career with over 10,000 receiving yards and 62 touchdowns, making him one of the most accomplished tight ends to ever play the game. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011, a testament to his success and longevity.
| Team | Receiving End | Receptions | Receiving Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver Broncos | Quarterback John Elway | 815 | 62 |
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5. Jason Witten
Jason Witten is a legend in Dallas Cowboys history and one of the Best Tight Ends of All Time. He was the Cowboys’ all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards, setting the bar for other tight ends to follow. Witten’s 17-season career was filled with countless highlight moments, including his NFL single-game record for receptions by a tight end (18) in 2012. A key contributor to the Cowboys for years, Witten was selected to 11 Pro Bowls and four All-Pro teams.
| Team | Receiving End | Receptions | Receiving Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas Cowboys | Quarterback Tony Romo | 1,215 | 68 |
4. Rob Gronkowski
Rob Gronkowski, also known as “Gronk,” revolutionized the tight end position and is undoubtedly one of the Best Tight Ends of All Time. In his 11-year career, Gronk set numerous records, including the single-season record for most touchdowns by a tight end (17 in 2011). Despite battling injuries throughout his career, Gronk was still able to capture four Super Bowl titles and dominate in the postseason, where he became the first tight end to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in a playoff career. His size, athleticism, and skill made him one of the most feared players in the league.
| Team | Receiving End | Receptions | Receiving Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| New England Patriots | Quarterback Tom Brady | 521 | 79 |
3. Antonio Gates
Antonio Gates is one of the most dominant tight ends of all time and a staple of the Best Tight Ends of All Time list. With 116 career touchdown receptions, Gates ranks seventh in NFL history regardless of position. He spent his entire career with the Chargers, where he became the franchise’s all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown catches. Gates was a red-zone specialist who consistently found ways to score, making eight Pro Bowls and six All-Pro teams during his career.
| Team | Receiving End | Receptions | Receiving Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego Chargers | Quarterback Philip Rivers | 955 | 116 |
2. Travis Kelce
Travis Kelce has redefined what it means to be a tight end in the modern NFL and is certainly among the Best Tight Ends of All Time. Considered the best tight end of his generation, Kelce has already racked up impressive numbers, ranking in the top five among tight ends in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. He’s won three Super Bowl titles and continues to shine in the postseason, where he holds the records for most receiving yards (1,903) and touchdowns (19) by a tight end. Kelce’s unique blend of size, speed, and hands has made him the go-to weapon for the Kansas City Chiefs.
| Team | Receiving End | Receptions | Receiving Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City Chiefs | Quarterback Patrick Mahomes | 1,149 | 69 |
1. Tony Gonzalez
Tony Gonzalez is widely regarded as the greatest tight end in NFL history and the undisputed number one on the list of Best Tight Ends of All Time. He holds the all-time records for receptions (1,325) and receiving yards (15,127) by a tight end. Gonzalez was also one of only two tight ends to record 100 career touchdowns. His exceptional skill set made him a 14-time Pro Bowler and 10-time All-Pro selection. Over his 17-year career, Gonzalez was a constant force, making an impact both as a blocker and a receiver. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019.
| Team | Receiving End | Receptions | Receiving Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City Chiefs | Quarterback Trent Green | 1,325 | 111 |
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