George Kittle has picked up a strong endorsement from one of the greatest tight ends the sport has seen. Former New England Patriots star Rob Gronkowski named the San Francisco 49ers standout the best tight end in the league right now, and he didn’t hesitate. The four-time Super Bowl champion made the call while appearing with former teammate Danny Amendola on “Hot Ones Versus”, where he was asked to rank four players at his position.
Gronkowski Makes His Pick Without Hesitation
When the ranking question came up, Gronkowski called it an easy decision. “George Kittle, by far,” he said, according to 49ers.com. He pointed to Kittle’s All-Pro recognition last season, his 1,000-yard output and his touchdown production, calling him “the best in the game right now.”
Gronkowski did slightly overstate one number. He said Kittle had more than 10 touchdowns in 2024, but the 49ers tight end finished with eight. The rest of his résumé backs up the praise.
Why the Endorsement Carries Weight
Gronkowski’s opinion matters because few players have defined the position the way he did. Over his career with the Patriots and later the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he set standards for touchdown production and physical dominance at tight end. When someone with that background singles out Kittle, it signals respect from a peer who understands the demands of the job. It also adds to a growing chorus of praise for the 49ers star, whose combination of reliable hands, yards after the catch and elite blocking is rare. For San Francisco, having that kind of versatile weapon remains a major advantage in the offense.
George Kittle’s Numbers Support the Praise
Kittle’s 2024 season was the fourth of his career with at least 1,000 receiving yards. He finished with 1,106 yards. At 31, he is still producing at an elite level, and his blocking has long set him apart from most players at his position.
Few tight ends combine receiving production with that kind of physical play, which is why Kittle’s name keeps surfacing in “best in the league” conversations. Gronkowski, one of the most dominant tight ends of his era, clearly sees the same traits.
A Hall of Fame-Worthy Career Still Climbing
Through eight seasons, Kittle has built a résumé that already looks like a Hall of Fame case. He ranks 13th all-time among tight ends with 7,380 receiving yards. He could climb further this season, as he trails Ozzie Newsome, who sits 10th, by just 600 yards.
Kittle is one of the three creators of Tight End University, an event that has become a gathering point for the position’s top players. In April, he signed a four-year extension with San Francisco, keeping him in a 49ers uniform for the foreseeable future.
How the Rest of Gronkowski’s List Looked
Gronkowski ranked the other three tight ends in this order: Philadelphia Eagles’ Dallas Goedert, Baltimore Ravens’ Mark Andrews and Buffalo Bills’ Dalton Kincaid. Each of them has been a key target for a contender, but Gronkowski left no doubt about who sits on top.
What Comes Next for George Kittle
With a new contract and a chance to move up the all-time tight end list, George Kittle enters the new season with plenty to play for. Closing the 600-yard gap on Newsome is a realistic goal if he stays healthy, and continued production would only strengthen his Hall of Fame argument.
FAQs
Who did Rob Gronkowski rank as the best tight end in the NFL?
Gronkowski picked George Kittle as the best tight end in the game, calling it an easy choice.
How many receiving yards did George Kittle have in 2024?
Kittle finished the 2024 season with 1,106 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, his fourth career 1,000-yard season.
Which other tight ends did Gronkowski rank?
After Kittle, he listed Dallas Goedert, Mark Andrews and Dalton Kincaid, in that order.
Did Kittle sign a new contract with the 49ers?
Yes. In April, George Kittle signed a four-year extension with San Francisco.