KC Chiefs: Tony Gonzalez Snubbed As Best Tight End Ever

In a recent post that details the best player at each position, it was Rob Gronkowski rather than KC Chiefs great Tony Gonzalez who was named best tight end.

Earlier this week, NFLSpinZone.com published an article naming the best players all-time at every position. KC Chiefs‘ fans can’t help but feel at least a little bit slighted here. There are plenty of other great tight ends out there that could also be considered the best ever, but they didn’t play for the Chiefs so they can fend for themselves.

There is no denying Rob Gronkowski has talent. There is also no denying that he is the best tight end in the game right now. But it’s probably a little premature to name him the best ever.

Before comparing their bodies’ of work, first let’s take into consideration the quality of the teams that Tony Gonzalez and Rob Gronkowski played for. Gronkowski has played for six seasons. In those six seasons, he’s had the same coaching philosophy and, more importantly, the same quarterback throwing him the ball. It helps that that quarterback may be the best to ever play the game. (At least according to that same article)

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Gonzalez on the other hand played for numerous offensive systems under different coaches and still remained elite. Don’t think the system matters? Look what happened to Jimmy Graham last season. Aside, from playing under different offensive philosophies, Gonzalez also played with quarterbacks who were less than spectacular. He did play with Trent Green for a good chunk of his career, but he also caught passes from the likes of Elvis Grbac, Brodie Croyle, and Damon Huard.

While there is no denying Gronkowski’s ‘elite’ status, it helps that he constantly has other play makers on the field with him. Tony Gonzalez was often times the only weapon the Chiefs had and he still found ways to beat double coverage. Let’s take a look at a few career numbers for the two players in the table below. (Built by Excel)

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Tony Gonzalez is second among all players in total receptions and receiving yards. He’s also first among tight ends in both those categories. His 111 touchdowns ranks sixth all-time and first among tight ends.

While ‘what if’ is never enough to base an argument, what if Tony Gonzalez had played with a quarterback like Tom Brady for his entire career? What would his numbers look like if he had a consistent quarterback and offensive system in his 17 years?

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While Rob Gronkowski may well be on his way towards breaking these records, he has a long way to go. He’s only six years in and has taken a beating on the field. It seems unlikely that he’ll last 17 seasons and if he does his production will start to decline eventually.

So, is Rob Gronkowski the best tight end in football? I think without question, he’s the best active tight end in the game. Is he the best tight end ever? I think it’s a little too soon to award him that honor.

Next: Where Does Gonzalez Rank In Chiefs' Greats?

What do you think Chiefs’ fans? Is Gronk the best all-time? Is Tony Gonzalez getting some hometown bias here? Is there another tight end that should have been named the best? Let me know in the comments’ section below.

(All stats courtesy of www.profootballreference.com)

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