The NFL tight end has ultimately emerged as the Jack of all trades, the Renaissance man. Within increasingly complex passing schemes, the most productive NFL tight ends motion out of formations, run crisp routes, and catch the football with the grace of a wide receiver. In recent times, Antonio Gates and Tony Gonzalez both worked to solidify their names atop the “greatest NFL tight ends of all time” list. In 2007, the Dallas Cowboys’ Jason Witten defined tight end grit, with his 53-yard, helmet-less catch and romp in Philadelphia.
As receivers, elite tight ends are matchup nightmares. In single coverage, the greatest NFL tight ends are too big and strong for defensive backs, but also too fast for linebackers. At the line of scrimmage, the craftiest tight ends may also pass protect for one count, before settling into the soft zone to make a play and move the chains. Of course, old-school sports buffs will point out that a good tight end also keys the ground game. The greatest NFL tight ends hold the edge at the point of attack and free up space for running backs to burst into the clear.
Many football diehards of the John Madden camp long for the days of jumbo packages, two to three tight end sets, three yards, and a cloud of dust. The best NFL tight ends of all time will smack you upside the head at third and inches, and then turn around and beat deep coverage on the very next play. Here’s a look at the 10 individuals who played their way onto this list.
