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NFL History: 25 greatest quarterback-tight end duos of all time

By Jaleel Grandberry

Sep 9, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) and tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrate after a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 9, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) and tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrate after a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons congratulates Tony Gonzalez
Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons congratulates Tony Gonzalez(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

The 19th greatest quarterback-tight end duo in NFL history: Matt Ryan & Tony Gonzalez

Tony Gonzalez, arguably the greatest tight end of all time, has multiple Hall of Fame careers in one. After cementing his legacy with 12 dominant seasons for the Kansas City Chiefs, Gonzalez asked to be traded to a team where he could compete for a championship.

At the age of 33, he got his wish when he was sent to the Atlanta Falcons. Waiting for him was second-year quarterback Matt Ryan, who was drafted third overall by the Falcons a year prior. The two quickly developed a bond that would mobilize a high-powered offense.

In five seasons with Ryan, Gonzalez had 395 receptions, 4,065 yards and 35 touchdowns in 78 games. The duo also fulfilled Gonzalez’ desire to compete in the playoffs, making three straight appearances from 2010-2012. The closest they came to a Super Bowl was the four-point NFC championship loss in 2012 to the San Francisco 49ers.

Despite missing out on a ring, the connection with Ryan helped Gonzalez to add four more Pro bowl selections to his already loaded resume. For Ryan, Gonzalez helped him develop into one of the games’ top quarterbacks.

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