The role of the tight end has evolved in the NFL over the last couple of decades. From primarily being 0-Line blockers, the position has evolved into a dynamic one that is now a very important tool when it comes to making pass plays.

And very few have embraced this change better than tight ends Travis Kelce and Rob Gronkowski. As the two superstars are now set to butt heads in the Super Bowl, we take a look at what makes them so special.

Rob Gronkowski’s dominance remains unparalleled

Gronkowski has been making headlines in the league for quite some time now. Drafted by the New England Patriots back in 2010, the TE is currently playing his 10th season in the NFL.

And under Bill Belichick’s patronage, Gronk soon showed the world that he was going to be a threat for the years to come. Gronkowski registered 10 touchdowns in his very first season.

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And in the following season, he got his first All-Pro call-up as the tight end registered 17 touchdowns to become the Patriots’ key offensive tool. Winning 3 Super Bowls, Gronk is one of the finest TE’s to have played the sport.

Gronk has made several other All-Pro teams since. However, one aspect of his game has affected his chances of reaching greater heights. The tight end is rather injury-prone.

Gronkowski has missed several games throughout his career due to the plague that is injuries. In fact, this season is his first injury-free season in quite some time. Though injury-free, Gronkowski’s numbers have taken a hit as some believe age may have finally caught up with him.

Travis Kelce is coming for Gronk’s throne

It comes as quite a surprise when people realize that Travis Kelce is only 5 months younger than Gronk. Kelce, who entered the league 2 seasons after Gronkowski, has been a late bloomer.

But ever since he found his stride in the league, he’s been one of the very best, if not the best, tight end in the game. Kelce had a record-breaking 2020 campaign for a tight end in NFL history.

Travis Kelce set a record for TE receptions with 105 on 145 targets, beating his own mark of 103 on 150 targets from 2018. He also broke the all-time receiving yards record held by George Kittle by registering 1,416 yards in the regular season.

Kelce also broke the record held by Gronkowski for most receiving yards by a TE overall (including Playoffs). This season Kelce has 1,643 yards while Gronk’s best came back in 2011 with 1,585. Kelce is the more durable of the two as well, having missed only 2 of his 112 regular-season games in the NFL so far.

Regardless of which tight end has the better game, one thing is for certain, both will go down as Super Bowl winners and sure-shot future Hall of Famers.

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