49ers' George Kittle crowned NFL's best TE by Gronk

   

San Francisco 49ers All-Pro tight end George Kittle continues to earn high praise as he prepares for his ninth NFL season. The latest endorsement comes from someone who knows the position exceptionally well—former NFL star Rob Gronkowski.

49ers' George Kittle crowned NFL's best TE by Gronk

Appearing on a recent episode of Hot Ones Versus, the four-time Super Bowl champion and five-time Pro Bowler didn't hesitate when asked to rank several top tight ends in today's game. Gronkowski made it abundantly clear where Kittle stands among his peers.

"All right, this is easy. I'm going to answer totally: George Kittle by far," Gronkowski said, per 49ers team reporter Briana McDonald. "He was All-Pro last year. He had over 1,000 yards ... He's the best in the game right now. So that's an easy number one."

Kittle is coming off another standout season in 2024, recording 78 receptions for 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns. It marked the fourth time in his NFL career that he's surpassed the 1,000-yard mark—a rare feat for tight ends.

In addition to Gronkowski and Kittle, only three other tight ends—Travis Kelce (7), Tony Gonzalez (4), and Jason Witten (4)—have recorded 1,000 or more receiving yards in four or more seasons during their careers.

 

Over his impressive career, Kittle has been named All-Pro five times and has earned six Pro Bowl selections, solidifying his place among the elite at his position.