13 Greatest Tight Ends in NFL History
One might make the case that the tight end position is the one that has undergone the most evolution over the history of the NFL. Tight ends have evolved from their traditional role as a sixth offensive lineman who would occasionally catch a ball into important components of the offense. 13 Greatest Tight Ends in…
One might make the case that the tight end position is the one that has undergone the most evolution over the history of the NFL. Tight ends have evolved from their traditional role as a sixth offensive lineman who would occasionally catch a ball into important components of the offense.
13 Greatest Tight Ends in NFL History
In the modern NFL, certain tight ends are so important to the success of a team’s passing attack that entire offensive packages are tailored to the specific skill sets of those tight ends. Because of the additional weight that is placed on the position in today’s game, it compels us to consider some of the all-time greats who have played this position in the past and determine how they stack up, both in terms of statistics and in terms of a more straightforward “eye test.”
The number of players from the modern age that made it onto this list, including one new face in the top 10, has an effect on the shifts that have occurred at the position; yet, there is still a significant amount of representation from the earlier eras.
13. Zach Ertz
Philadelphia Eagles 2013-21; Arizona Cardinals 2021
a veteran of three Pro Bowls
The winner of Super Bowl LII.
134 games played, 635 receptions, 6,841 yards receiving (10.8 yards per game), and 41 touchdowns.
Throughout his career thus far, Ertz has been exceptionally dominant on a consistent basis. He has made a name for himself as one of the most accomplished players to ever play in that position in the history of the league.
12. Jay Novacek
Cardinals of St. Louis/Phoenix from 1985–1989 and Dallas from 1990–1995
First-team All-Pro selection (1992), five-time selection to the Pro Bowl
Super Bowl XXVII, XXVIII, XXX champion (Cowboys)
422 receptions, 4,630 yards (11.0 yards per game), and 30 touchdowns in 158 games played.
During the Cowboys’ historic run in the early 1990s, Novacek served as the ideal balance to the team’s “Triplets,” which consisted of Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin.
11. Riley Odoms Denver 1972-83
A two-time first-team All-Pro selection and a four-time Pro Bowler
396 receptions for 5,755 yards (14.5 yards per catch) and 41 touchdowns in 153 games; 25 carries for 211 yards (8.4 yards per carry) and two touchdowns.
One might make the case that he was Denver’s best player for almost ten years during that time period.
10. Vernon Davis
San Francisco from 2006 through 2015; Denver in 2015; and Washington from 2016 until 2019
2-time Pro Bowler
The winner of Super Bowl 50. (Broncos)
194 games played, 583 receptions, 7,562 yards (13.1 yards per game), and 63 touchdowns.
Davis was widely considered to be one of the position’s all-time best “pure athletes.”
9. Heath Miller of Pittsburgh from 2005 until 2015
A two-time selection to the Pro Bowl.
Super Bowl XL, XLIII champion
592 receptions, 6,569 yards (11.1 yards per game), and 45 touchdowns in 168 games played.
During his entire 11-year career with the Steelers, Miller epitomized the concept of consistency.
8. Dallas Clark
Indianapolis Colts 2003-11; Tampa Bay 2012; Baltimore 2013
First-team All-Pro honors (2009), selection to the Pro Bowl (2009)
The winner of Super Bowl XLI.
143 games played, 505 receptions, 5,665 yards receiving (11.2 yards per catch), and 53 touchdowns.
He was the unheralded hero of the Colts’ great offenses that were headed by Peyton Manning.
7. Keith Jackson, Philadelphia (1988–1991), Miami (1992–1994), and Green Bay (1995–1996)
3-time selection to the All-Pro first team, 5-time selection to the Pro Bowl
441 receptions, 5,283 yards (12.0 yards per game), and 49 touchdowns in 129 games
The tight end with the most all-around skills in the annals of the game.
6. Todd Christensen
1979 with the New York Giants; 1979–1988 for the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders
Two times named to the first team of All-Pro, and he’s been to five Pro Bowls.
461 receptions, 5,872 yards (12.7 yards per game), and 41 touchdowns in 137 games played.
He was a fan favorite on the Raiders and prospered despite the fact that there were a few other legendary skill position players on the team at the same time.
5. Charlie Sanders Detroit 1968-77
3-time selection to the All-Pro first team, 7-time selection to the Pro Bowl
128 games played, 336 receptions, 4,817 yards (14.3 yards per game), and 31 touchdowns
Class of 2007 inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
The second legendary Sanders to play for the Pistons was a real threat to the deep post during his time there.
4. Ben Coates, who played for New England from 1991 to 1999 and for the Baltimore Ravens in 2000
Two times named to the first team of All-Pro, and he’s been to five Pro Bowls.
158 games played, 499 receptions, 5,555 receiving yards (11.1 yards per game), and 50 touchdowns.
In the 1990s, the Patriot offenses led by Drew Bledsoe put up tremendous statistics, and he was an integral part of those offenses.
3. Jerry Smith, President from 1965 to 1977
1969 first-team All-Pro selection, two-time selection to the Pro Bowl
168 games played, 421 receptions, 5,496 yards (13.1 yards per game), and 60 touchdowns
One of the players in NFL history with the least amount of recognition he deserves.
2. Jimmy Graham New Orleans from 2010 to 2014, Seattle from 2015 to 2017, Green Bay from 2018 to 2019, and Chicago from 2020 until the present
2013 selection to the All-Pro first team; five-time selection to the Pro Bowl
713 receptions, 8,506 yards (11.9 yards per game), and 85 touchdowns in 184 games played.
Graham’s dominance was unmatched by most players when he was fully healthy and in his peak, especially within the opponents’ red zone.
status equal to that of an immortal in the eyes of Raider Nation.
1. Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs, from 2013 until the present
First-team All-Pro (2016), First-team All-Pro (2018), and Seven-time Pro Bowler (2020)
The winner of Super Bowl LIV.
704 receptions, 9,006 yards (12.8 yards per game), and 57 touchdowns in 127 games played.
Since he entered the league, Kelce has been one of the most dominant tight ends, and the stats he’s piling up are putting him in the conversation with the all-time greats. Kelce has a lot of touchdowns and receptions to his name. As a crucial component of the offense that is currently the most potent in the league, Kelce has limitless potential moving forward. Should he avoid injury, we anticipate that he will keep climbing up this list.
