Rob Gronkowski, one of the NFL’s most dominant tight ends, addressed a key question: who is better between him and the Kansas City Chiefs’ own Super Bowl-winning TE, Travis Kelce?
The tight end position has changed since Tony Gonzalez, Antonio Gates, and Jason Witten dominated. Kelce has thrived in today’s pass-heavy NFL, while Gronkowski excelled as a more physical tight end, blending blocking and receiving skills.
Both players have multiple Super Bowl titles, but Gronkowski offered a measured assessment when it came to comparing himself and Patrick Mahomes’ favorite target.
On NBC Sports’ Dan Patrick Show, Gronkowski was asked about Kelce: “If somebody says, ‘Kelce is better than you.’ Would you argue back that you’re better than Kelce?”
Gronk responded thoughtfully to the comparison, with a nuanced take that will pacify both fans of the position players in one of the NFL’s most popular online discussions.
“Well, in many ways, Travis Kelce is better than myself,” Gronkowski said. “In many ways, I would say I’m better than Travis Kelce.
“There’s so many variables and intangibles that go into it because we’re kind of different players, but we play the same position.”
Gronkowski explained the differences are tied to offensive systems. Kelce thrives as a pass-catching tight end in Kansas City, while Gronkowski dominated both as a blocker and receiver, using size and strength to create mismatches in traditional schemes.
Tight ends are critical in both running and passing attacks. Gronkowski’s unique combination of athleticism and power allowed him to dominate multiple roles, making defenses account for him constantly and adding versatility beyond receiving stats.
“It’s all about what type of offense you’re in,” Rob added. “How you’re being used. And if we played together, we’d be the ultimate combo.
“But if I’m in a package where it’s just old school offense… then I would take myself.
“But this day and era, with the offense Travis Kelce is in, I feel like he fits way better in his offense. I don’t feel like I’d be able to contribute the way that he does.
“I think I’m the better blocker, but he’s a better pass catcher. If you combined those skills, you’d have an extremely versatile and difficult-to-defend tight end duo.”
This comparison recalls Gronkowski’s pairing with Aaron Hernandez from 2010-2013, when the Patriots deployed a nearly unstoppable offense. Gronkowski’s blocking and receiving, combined with Hernandez’s speed and route-running, made them highly effective.
Kelce remains central to Kansas City’s passing attack while assisting in blocking. Gronkowski often prioritized blocking over receiving, limiting his statistical output compared to the Chiefs’ ace, whose modern system emphasizes pass-catching opportunities.
Who do the Kansas City Chiefs play in Week 11?
The Chiefs travel to face the Denver Broncos on Sunday, November 16 2025 in a mammoth clash between the 5-4 Kansas City and 8-2 AFC West leaders in terms of their NFL Playoffs standings.
Kickoff is scheduled for 16:25 ET/13:25 PT at Empower Field at Mile High in Colorado. The game will air nationally on CBS Sports for fans wanting to watch Patrick Mahomes vs Bo Nix.
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