New England Patriots: Top 5 tight ends in franchise history
By Duncan Day
1. Rob Gronkowski (2010-present)
Rob Gronkowski is the best Patriots tight end of all-time. A very fair argument exists to put him among NFL greats, considering his standards haven’t waned during an injury-riddled career.
In Week 8 against the Buffalo Bills last season, Gronkowski broke the franchise touchdown record held by wide receiver Stanley Morgan. Gronk is the fourth Patriot ever to tally at least 6,000 career receiving yards, and only wideouts Wes Welker and Randy Moss have totaled more receiving yards per game.
“He’s a dynamic player for us, there’s no doubt,” Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said, via ESPN. “He makes great plays in the pass game — down the field, intermediate, short — and he’s tough to tackle.”
In 2011 Gronkowski set the single-season record for receiving yards by a tight end. He also became the first tight ever to catch 17 touchdown passes and lead the league in receiving touchdowns. Just another notch on the belt of the record-breaking tight end in New England.
Next: Patriots: Gronkowski's perseverance is incredible
Gronkowksi isn’t done yet. If he can remain on the field often in 2017, few teams could compete with the Patriots. And, if you had to guess, there are just more records that are set to fall as his career continues.