Rob Gronkowski has clearly identified George Kittle as the top NFL tight end, sparking fresh discussion in the ongoing Travis Kelce tight end summit debate. During a recent interview, the former NFL star confidently crowned Kittle as the league’s best in the position, emphasizing his outstanding performances through 2024.
Gronkowski Endorses George Kittle as the Leading Tight End
In a guest appearance on the YouTube show Hot Ones Versus, Gronkowski weighed in on who currently rules the tight end landscape. He pointed to Kittle as a standout player who surpassed 1,100 receiving yards for the fourth time despite injuries impacting the San Francisco 49ers this season. Kittle also secured a historic four-year extension worth $76.4 million earlier this year, underscoring his value and impact at the position.
Rob Gronkowski said,
“All right, this is easy. I’m going to answer totally: George Kittle by far. He was All-Pro last year. He had over 1,000 yards, he had over 10 touchdowns. He’s the best in the game right now. So that’s an easy number one,”
highlighting Kittle’s status among today’s elite tight ends.
While Kittle actually finished the last campaign with eight touchdowns rather than the ten Gronkowski mentioned, his all-around performance was undeniably one of the best. The 31-year-old also ranked second among tight ends with 522 yards after the catch, a total only surpassed by Las Vegas rookie Brock Bowers.
How Gronkowski Ranks Other Top NFL Tight Ends
Beyond Kittle, Gronkowski mapped out the rest of his current top tight end list. He placed Dallas Goedert of the Philadelphia Eagles second, acknowledging Goedert’s recent Super Bowl success. Baltimore Ravens’ Mark Andrews was third, notable for his dependable play and franchise record for reception touchdowns among receivers and tight ends. Buffalo Bills rookie Dalton Kincaid made fourth, with Gronkowski praising his potential early in his career.
Regarding Goedert and Andrews, Gronkowski explained,
“He just won a Super Bowl,”
about Goedert, and added,
“A lot of experience. He actually has the most reception touchdowns in franchise history for the Baltimore Ravens out of receivers and tight ends,”
in reference to Andrews.
Community Building Through the Tight End University Summit
Outside of the rankings, George Kittle remains active in nurturing the tight end community. He co-founded Tight End University alongside Travis Kelce and Greg Olsen, hosting an annual summit designed to advance the skills and visibility of players in this unique role. The latest event in Nashville gathered over 80 tight ends for in-depth film review sessions, technique workshops, and position-specific drills, fostering collaboration among peers and rising stars.
This ongoing commitment reflects the growing prominence of the tight end position within the NFL, bolstered by increased attention to specialized training and camaraderie among elite athletes.
Impact and Future Outlook of the Tight End Debate
Gronkowski’s decisive endorsement of George Kittle reshapes the narrative in the Travis Kelce tight end summit discussions, challenging long-held assumptions about the league’s premier player at the position. As Kittle continues to post impressive stats and lead community efforts like Tight End University, his influence stretches beyond the field, inspiring peers and fans alike.
With Dak Prescott’s season ongoing and other rising stars like Brock Bowers gaining momentum, the tight end role remains highly competitive. The coming months and next NFL season will reveal whether Kittle maintains his top spot or if contenders such as Kelce will reclaim their titles in this evolving battle for tight end supremacy.