Rob Gronkowski's legacy continues to linger on gridirons across the country five years after his swansong.
The former [Patriots](https://nesn.com/new-england-patriots) and Buccaneers standout was, at his pinnacle, football's greatest tight end, a devastating blend of speed, size and precision who gashed more than a few secondaries across his 11 seasons in the top-flight.
Five years after his retirement, Gronkowski's impact continues to loom. So much so, in fact, that some feels he's not only the greatest tight end they have ever laid eyes on; he might be the greatest to ever play the sport.
With that, NESN examines Gronkowski's legacy, incluing whether he can truly be considered football's greatest-ever tight end.
Rob Gronkowski’s GOAT Tight End Case
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There is ample statistical evidence that Gronkowski is the greatest tight end in NFL history. While Gronkowski "only" ranks sixth all-time in receiving yards and 11th all-time in receptions among tight ends, he places third in yards per game among tight ends to start at least 50 games, trailing only Travis Kelce and Pete Retzlaff, per [Stathead](https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/football/player-season-finder.cgi?request=1&match=player_season_combinedℴ_by=rec_yds&positions%5B%5D=te&ccomp%5B1%5D=gt&cval%5B1%5D=50&cstat%5B1%5D=games_started). He recorded 92 touchdowns in his career, the third-highest mark in league history. However, the two players in front of him — Antonio Gates (116) and Tony Gonzalez (111) played 62 and 126 more games than Gronkowski did, respectively.
His 9.7 yard per target mark ranks second among tight ends, one yard greater than that of Kelce. He also boasts more the joint second-most first-team All-Pro selections for a tight end (four), tying Kelce, Dave Casper and Shannon Sharpe in the mark. He accomplished that feat in fewer games than his counterpart.
With nearly a handful of Super Bowl rings — three with the Patriots, one with the Buccaneers — Gronkowski also proved his worth when the lights were brightest. He ranks second all-time in catches (98), receiving yards (1,389) and receiving touchdowns (15) in the postseason, trailing only Kelce.
To be sure, Gronkowski isn't the _only_ candidate for the title of football's greatest-ever tight end. Kelce has an equally compelling case. Perhaps the Chiefs standout makes up for his slight disadvantage in Super Bowls (for now) by posting gaudy numbers over a longer period of his career.
Other notable talents who can reasonably challenge for the throne include Gonzalez, Gates and Sharpe.
Nevertheless, Gronkowski is arguably in pole position for the crown. That will suit him — and New England supporters — just fine.
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