Rob Gronkowski: Who are his rivals for G.O.A.T. status?
Tony Gonzalez
Sliding in just behind Antonio Gates on the all-time career receiving touchdowns list is Tony Gonzalez. Recently inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility last month, Gonzalez played 17 years in the NFL (12 with the Kansas City Chiefs and five with the Atlanta Falcons).
Gonzalez currently ranks No. 2 all-time in career receptions with 1,325, just 224 catches behind Jerry Rice. That’s ridiculous production for any NFL player, but when you remember that Gonzalez was a tight end and not a wide receiver, it’s even crazier to think about.
He’s also No. 6 all-time in career receiving yards with 15,127. The next closest tight end on that list? Jason Witten, with 12,448 yards.
Gonzalez has been to more Pro Bowls than any other player in NFL history (14), in addition to being named an All-Pro a staggering 10 times and being selected for the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team. He missed just two games in 17 years and fumbled only twice on 1,327 touches.
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While it may be difficult to compare players from various generations and eras of professional football, it’s at least a fun exercise to stack up their career accomplishments against one another.
When it comes to trailblazing the tight end position, probably no one compares to John Mackey or Mike Ditka. When it comes to revolutionizing that position, the most obvious candidates are Shannon Sharpe and Ozzie Newsome. If rewarding longevity and sustained production, then Jason Witten and Antonio Gates should be exalted.
But in the eyes of this website at least, Rob Gronkowski and Tony Gonzalez take the cake when it comes to the complete package of dominating at their position in a way unlike any other player has ever done before them.