Linebackers are some of the most important players on a defense, but the best linebackers of all-time took that statement to an entire new level. They embody and exemplify what it means to be a linebacker in the National Football League and they’ve paved the way for players today.
Some teams roll with three linebackers, some roll with four linebackers, and some even roll with two linebackers. Either way, linebackers are known to be the second line of defense and they each have unique responsibilities depending on where they line up on the football field.
Middle linebackers are often referred to as the ‘quarterback of the defense’ and are responsible for calling the plays. All linebackers are responsible for filling gaps, but weak-side linebackers are generally better in coverage, while strong-side linebackers are better at the pass rush.
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Who Are the Best Linebackers of All-Time?
Throughout the 100-year history of the NFL, many players have tested their talents at the linebacker position and many have failed. On the other hand, some linebackers went on to have an incredible career in the NFL and will forever be remembered as some of the greatest to do it.
Those players are the best linebackers of all-time and they help define what a linebacker is expected to do in the toughest football league in the world. The best linebackers of all-time knew how to read a play, knew how to tackle consistently, and knew how to do everything in-between.
The linebackers we list below are generational players that dominated every single offense they lined up against. They were an offensive coordinator’s nightmare and made the opposing quarterback nervous every time they snapped the ball. Without further ado, let’s meet them!
25. Joe Schmidt
Seasons: 1953-1965 (13 seasons)
Teams: Detroit Lions
Career Stats: 155 games, 151 games started, 24 interceptions, 2 defensive touchdowns, 15.0 stats (since 1960)
Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1973
Joe Schmidt was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round of the 1953 NFL Draft and there was doubt as to whether he would make the roster. 13 years later, the 10-time All-Star, two-time champion, and eight-time All-Pro retired as one of the best linebackers of all-time.
24. Harry Carson
Seasons: 1976-1988 (13 seasons)
Teams: New York Giants
Career Stats: 173 games, 166 games started, 11 interceptions, 19.0 sacks, 14 fumble recoveries, 1 defensive touchdown
Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2006
Harry Carson made up one-quarter of the New York Giants’ Crunch Bunch — along with Brian Kelley, Brad Van Pelt, and Lawrence Taylor. He played his entire 13-year career in New York, was team captain for 10 of those years, and was known for drenching his coach in Gatorade.
23. Sam Huff
Seasons: 1956-1969 (13 seasons)
Teams: New York Giants, Washington Redskins
Career Stats: 168 games, 159 games started, 30 interceptions, 17 fumble recoveries, 4 defensive touchdowns, 29.0 sacks (since 1960)
Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1982
Sam Huff was drafted by the New York Giants in the third round of the 1956 NFL Draft and was immediately named a starter. The Giants would go on to win the championship that same season and Huff became the first rookie middle linebacker to start in a championship game.
22. Clay Matthews Jr.
Seasons: 1978-1996 (19 seasons)
Teams: Cleveland Browns, Atlanta Falcons
Career Stats: 278 games, 248 games started, 1,595 tackles, 82.5 sacks, 27 forced fumbles, 14 fumble recoveries, 16 interceptions, 2 defensive touchdowns
Hall of Fame: no, but he should be
Clay Matthews Jr. often doesn’t get the credit he deserves. He entered the league as the 12th overall pick in 1978 and went on to play 19 seasons in the NFL. He had over 100 tackles in eight different seasons and is the father of another all-time great linebacker — Clay Matthews III.
21. Bill George
Seasons: 1952-1966 (15 seasons)
Teams: Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Rams
Career Stats: 173 games, 173 games started, 18 interceptions, 19 fumble recoveries, 28.5 sacks (since 1960)
Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1974
If it weren’t for Bill George, the middle linebacker position wouldn’t exist in the NFL today — along with the 4-3 defensive scheme. He’s credited as being the NFL’s first true MLB and went on to be named an eight-time All-Star, eight-time All-Pro, one-time champion, and Hall of Famer.
20. Terrell Suggs
Seasons: 2003-2019 (17 seasons)
Teams: Baltimore Ravens, Arizona Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs
Career Stats: 244 games, 226 games started, 895 tackles, 202 tackles for loss, 139.0 sacks, 37 forced fumbles, 15 fumble recoveries, 7 interceptions, 3 defensive touchdowns
Hall of Fame: too soon, but eventually
The Baltimore Ravens drafted Terrell Suggs with the 10th overall pick in 2003. He played alongside Ray Lewis for 10 years and was one of the scariest linebackers of all-time. He was reliable, he loved tackling guys for a loss, and loved to get after the quarterback consistently.
19. Willie Lanier
Seasons: 1967-1977 (11 seasons)
Teams: Kansas City Chiefs
Career Stats: 149 games, 145 games started, 27 interceptions, 18 fumble recoveries, 4.0 sacks, 2 defensive touchdowns, 1 safety
Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1986
Willie Lanier was one of the greatest coverage linebackers ever. While he didn’t record a lot of sacks in his career, he recorded at least two interceptions in nine straight seasons. He was one of the first black middle linebackers in NFL history and helped pave the way for players today.
18. James Harrison
Seasons: 2002-2017 (15 seasons)
Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots
Career Stats: 193 games, 117 games started, 811 tackles, 128 tackles for loss, 84.5 sacks, 8 interceptions, 34 forced fumbles, 9 fumble recoveries, 1 defensive touchdown
Hall of Fame: maybe someday
James Harrison was a player that no one wanted to line up against, which is why his ‘Deebo’ nickname is so fitting. He trains like an animal and he plays like one too. He posted career-highs of 16.0 sacks, 101 tackles, 1 safety, and 7 forced fumbles in 2008 and 100 tackles in 2010.
17. Patrick Willis
Seasons: 2007-2014 (8 seasons)
Teams: San Francisco 49ers
Career Stats: 112 games, 112 games started, 950 tackles, 60 tackles for loss, 20.5 sacks, 8 interceptions, 16 forced fumbles, 5 fumble recoveries, 2 defensive touchdowns
Hall of Fame: not yet, but eventually
Patrick Willis didn’t have as long of a career as some of the other greats, but that doesn’t take away from what he did when he was on the field. He recorded more than 101 tackles in six of his eight seasons — including 174 tackles in 2007, 141 tackles in 2008, and 152 tackles in 2009.
16. London Fletcher
Seasons: 1998-2013 (16 seasons)
Teams: Washington Redskins, Buffalo Bills, St. Louis Rams
Career Stats: 256 games, 2,039 combined tackles, 1,384 solo tackles, 39.0 sacks, 19 forced fumbles, 12 fumble recoveries, 23 interceptions, 3 defensive touchdowns
Hall of Fame: not yet, but eventually
No linebacker has ever been more reliable than London Fletcher. He played 16 seasons in the NFL and never missed a single game in his entire career. He has the second-most career tackles, behind Ray Lewis, and holds the record for most consecutive starts by a linebacker.
15. Bobby Bell
Seasons: 1963-1974 (12 seasons)
Teams: Kansas City Chiefs
Career Stats: 168 games, 159 games started, 26 interceptions, 9 fumble recoveries, 40.0 sacks, 8 defensive touchdowns
Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1983
Bobby Bell was a seventh round draft choice of the Kansas City Chiefs in the 1963 AFL Draft. He recorded at least one interception in each of his 12 seasons in the NFL and was a nine-time Pro Bowler, six-time All-Pro, one-time Super Bowl champion, and two-time AFL Champion.
14. Chuck Bednarik
Seasons: 1949-1962 (14 seasons)
Teams: Philadelphia Eagles
Career Stats: 169 games, 166 games started, 20 interceptions, 21 fumble recoveries, 1 defensive touchdown
Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1967
Chuck Bednarik was the Philadelphia Eagles’ first overall pick in the 1949 NFL Draft and would go on to spend his entire 14-year career with the team. He made eight Pro Bowl appearances, was named an All-Pro six times, and won two Super Bowls with the Eagles through his career.
13. Jack Ham
Seasons: 1971-1982 (12 seasons)
Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers
Career Stats: 162 games, 160 games started, 32 interceptions, 21 fumble recoveries, 25.5 sacks, 2 defensive touchdowns
Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1988
Jack Ham was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the 1971 NFL Draft and became a mainstay on the team’s ‘Steel Curtain’ defense that won four Super Bowl titles in six years from 1975-1980. He will go down as one of the best outside linebackers in NFL history.
12. Ray Nitschke
Seasons: 1958-1972 (15 seasons)
Teams: Green Bay Packers
Career Stats: 190 games, 150 games started, 25 interceptions, 23 fumble recoveries, 16.0 sacks (since 1960), 2 defensive touchdowns
Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1978
Known as Wildman, Ray Nitschke was a big reason why Vince Lombardi’s Green Bay Packers were so dominant in the 1960s. Nitschke helped them win five NFL Championships, as well as the first two Super Bowls in his 15-year career. Known for his toughness, he was also athletic.
11. Brian Urlacher
Seasons: 2000-2012 (13 seasons)
Teams: Chicago Bears
Career Stats: 182 games, 180 games started, 1,361 tackles, 138 tackles for loss, 41.5 sacks, 11 forced fumbles, 16 fumble recoveries, 22 interceptions, 4 defensive touchdowns
Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2018
Brian Urlacher was a delight to watch in the 2000s after being drafted by the Chicago Bears ninth overall. He was named Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2000 and Defensive Player of the Year in 2005. He recorded more than 100 tackles in nine seasons — including four straight.
10. Kevin Greene
Seasons: 1985-1999 (15 seasons)
Teams: Los Angeles Rams, Carolina Panthers, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers
Career Stats: 228 games, 176 games started, 734 tackles, 160.0 sacks, 23 forced fumbles, 26 fumble recoveries, 5 interceptions, 3 safeties, 3 defensive touchdowns
Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2016
It shouldn’t have taken Kevin Greene over 15 years to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, but that’s how long it took. He recorded double-digit sacks in 10 different seasons and his 160.0 career sacks ranks fourth all-time since 1960. Greene was a quarterback’s worst nightmare.
9. Junior Seau
Seasons: 1990-2009 (20 seasons)
Teams: San Diego Chargers, New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins
Career Stats: 268 games, 243 games started, 1,847 tackles, 80 tackles for loss, 56.5 sacks, 11 forced fumbles, 18 fumble recoveries, 18 interceptions, 1 defensive touchdown
Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2015
Junior Seau will go down as one of the San Diego Chargers’ all-time greats. He spent 13 years with the team after being drafted 5th overall in 1990. He recorded more than 100 tackles in 8 of those seasons, including six straight from 1991-1996. He was fearless, consistent, and reliable.
8. Derrick Brooks
Seasons: 1995-2008 (14 seasons)
Teams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Career Stats: 224 games, 221 games started, 1,713 tackles, 68 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks, 24 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries, 25 interceptions, 7 defensive touchdowns
Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2014
Derrick Brooks was the 28th overall pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1995 and would go on to play his entire 14-year career with them. He’s a one-time Super Bowl winner, made 11 Pro Bowl appearances, is a five-time All-Pro, and his 1,300 career solo tackles ranks third all-time.
7. Ted Hendricks
Seasons: 1969-1983 (15 seasons)
Teams: Oakland Raiders, Los Angeles Raiders, Baltimore Colts, Green Bay Packers
Career Stats: 215 games, 200 games started, 26 interceptions, 16 fumble recoveries, 61 sacks, 4 safeties, 2 defensive touchdowns
Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1990
Ted Hendricks was drafted by the Baltimore Colts in the second round in 1969. He was a regular starter by 1970 and caught five interceptions in 1971. He would do that again in 1974 in his lone season with the Packers before playing an illustrious nine-year career with the Raiders.
6. Derrick Thomas
Seasons: 1989-1999 (11 seasons)
Teams: Kansas City Chiefs
Career Stats: 169 games, 157 games started, 41 forced fumbles, 19 fumble recoveries, 1 interception, 3 safeties, 126.5 sacks, 641 tackles, 4 defensive touchdowns
Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2009
Derrick Thomas is one of the greatest pass-rushing linebackers in NFL history. Drafted fourth overall by the Chiefs in 1989, Thomas finished with 10 sacks in his rookie season and 20 sacks the following year (1990) — including 7.0 sacks in a single game, which is a current NFL record.
5. Jack Lambert
Seasons: 1974-1984 (11 seasons)
Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers
Career Stats: 146 games, 138 games started, 28 interceptions, 17 fumble recoveries, 23.5 sacks
Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1990
Jack Lambert is another linebacker mainstay on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Steel Curtain defense in the 1970s, along with Jack Ham. Lambert recorded six interceptions in two different seasons, as well as four interceptions in 1978. He won four Super Bowls as starting middle linebacker.
4. Mike Singletary
Seasons: 1981-1992 (12 seasons)
Teams: Chicago Bears
Career Stats: 179 games, 172 games started, 7 interceptions, 12 fumble recoveries, 19.0 sacks
Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1998
Mike Singletary was drafted in the second round of the 1981 draft by the Chicago Bears and went on to play his entire 12-year career as the team’s starting middle linebacker. He’s a 10-time Pro Bowler, seven-time All-Pro, one-time champion, and two-time Defensive POY.
3. Dick Butkus
Seasons: 1965-1973 (9 seasons)
Teams: Chicago Bears
Career Stats: 119 games, 119 games started, 22 interceptions, 27 fumble recoveries, 11.0 sacks, 1 safety, 1 defensive touchdown
Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1979
Dick Butkus didn’t even play a decade in the NFL, but made as big of an impact at his position as anyone. He’s one of the most intimidating and fearful linebackers of all-time. Butkus was named to eight Pro Bowls, was a five-time All-Pro, and a two-time Defensive Player of the Year.
2. Ray Lewis
Seasons: 1996-2012 (17 seasons)
Teams: Baltimore Ravens
Career Stats: 228 games, 227 games started, 2,059 tackles, 99 tackles for loss, 41.5 sacks, 19 forced fumbles, 20 fumble recoveries, 1 safety, 31 interceptions, 3 defensive touchdowns
Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2018
To some people, Ray Lewis would be No. 1 on this list. He holds the record for most career tackles and was consistently one of the top linebackers in the league for each of his 17 seasons. He was a vocal leader that played with passion, intensity, and an attention to detail.
1. Lawrence Taylor
Seasons: 1981-1993 (13 seasons)
Teams: New York Giants
Career Stats: 184 games, 180 games started, 9 interceptions, 11 fumble recoveries, 142.0 sacks, 2 defensive touchdowns
Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1999
The New York Giants were right to draft Lawrence Taylor second overall in the 1981 NFL Draft and he proved why over the next 13 years. He finished with more than 10 sacks in seven straight seasons, including a career-high 20.5 sacks during the 1986 season. His 142.0 career sacks ranks ninth all-time.
Who Are the Best Linebackers in the NFL Right Now?
Of the best linebackers of all-time we listed above, none are currently playing in the league — though 20 of them are in the Hall of Fame and the other five will likely find their way into the Hall of Fame at some point. Of course, that’s not to say there aren’t any good linebackers today.
In fact, the league is full of them and some of them could very well find their way on this list by the time they retire. Von Miller is a great example with 110.5 career sacks in just 10 seasons. He’s already a Super Bowl champion and has been named to eight Pro Bowls in his career.
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Outside of Von Miller, some of the other best linebackers in the NFL right now include T.J. Watt, Bobby Wagner, Eric Kendricks, Fred Warner, Lavonte David, Demario Davis, Darius Leonard, Deion Jones, Roquan Smith, Dont’a Hightower, and Tremaine Edmunds.
25 Best Tight Ends of All-Time
Tight ends are asked to do a lot on the football field, but the best tight ends of all-time took that statement to an entirely new level. They went above and beyond what their coaches expected from them and achieved greatness at the highest level. They made a complex game look easy.
Having a quality tight end on your roster can do a lot for your team. They’re big enough to line up on the line of scrimmage and block like an offensive lineman, but they also have the athleticism and hands to act as a reliable option in the passing game. They’re versatile and adaptable.
Not all tight ends are dual threats on offense, but the best tight ends of all-time were. If it weren’t for them, the tight end position wouldn’t be what it is today. They revolutionized the game and paved the way for young tight ends. The best tight ends of all-time are legends in the game.
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Who Are the Best Tight Ends of All-Time?
By now, there should be several tight ends floating around in your head that you would consider as the best tight ends of all-time. Some of the names are obvious and come without debate, but other names might strike some doubt among some fans. It all depends on who you’re asking.
For us, we’re going to do our best to take an unbiased approach to ranking the best tight ends of all-time. We’re going to look at several factors, including their statistics and production, their longevity in the NFL, their ability to block, and how much they contributed to wins for their team.
At the end of the day, the tight ends mentioned below were some of the best to ever play. Whether you cheered for them or not, there’s no denying their talent and you can’t help but tip your hat to their achievements – even if they were a thorn in the behind of your favorite team.
25. George Kittle
Years Active: 2017-present (5 seasons)
Teams: San Francisco 49ers
Career Stats: 65 games, 329 receptions, 4,450 yards, 20 touchdowns
George Kittle was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He has only been in the league for five years, but has already established himself as one of the best tight ends of all-time. He’s a three-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro, but the best is yet to come.
24. Zach Ertz
Years Active: 2013-present (9 seasons)
Teams: Philadelphia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals
Career Stats: 132 games, 621 receptions, 6,716 yards, 41 touchdowns
Zach Ertz was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He had a career year in 2018 with 116 receptions, 1,163 yards, and 8 touchdowns. Although he hasn’t performed that well since, he has reinvented himself since being traded to the Cardinals.
23. Keith Jackson
Years Active: 1988-1996 (9 seasons)
Teams: Philadelphia Eagles, Miami Dolphins, Green Bay Packers
Career Stats: 129 games, 441 receptions, 5,283 yards, 49 touchdowns
Before Keith Jackson embarked on a legendary broadcasting career in the NFL, he was one of the best tight ends in the league. He was the Philadelphia Eagles’ 13th overall selection in 1988 and had at least 500 yards in eight of his nine seasons. He had a career-high 10 touchdowns in his final season.
22. Todd Christensen
Years Active: 1979-1988 (10 seasons)
Teams: Los Angeles Raiders, Oakland Raiders, New York Giants
Career Stats: 137 games, 461 receptions, 5,872 yards, 41 touchdowns
Todd Christensen was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 1978 draft. He started as a fullback, but eventually made the move to tight end and it was well-worth it. He had at least 80 catches in four straight seasons, including three seasons with more than 1,000 yards and a career-high 12 touchdowns in 1983.
21. Ben Coates
Years Active: 1991-2000 (10 seasons)
Teams: New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens
Career Stats: 158 games, 499 receptions, 5,555 yards, 50 touchdowns
Ben Coates was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fifth round of the 1991 draft. He had a breakout year in 1993 and recorded his first 1,000-yard season in 1994 – he also had 96 catches and 7 touchdowns. He had at least 50 receptions, 650 yards, and 6 touchdowns in six straight seasons.
20. Jeremy Shockey
Years Active: 2002-2011 (10 seasons)
Teams: New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers
Career Stats: 136 games, 547 receptions, 6,143 yards, 37 touchdowns
Jeremy Shockey was drafted by the New York Giants with the 14th overall selection in the 2002 NFL Draft. He was as consistent and reliable as they come, recording at least 40 receptions and 400 yards in each of his first nine seasons in the NFL. He had a career-high 74 receptions and 894 yards his rookie season.
19. Dallas Clark
Years Active: 2003-2013 (11 seasons)
Teams: Indianapolis Colts, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Baltimore Ravens
Career Stats: 143 games, 505 receptions, 5,665 yards, 53 touchdowns
Dallas Clark was the 24th overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts in 2003. He enjoyed his best years from 2007-2009, recording 235 receptions, 2,570 yards, and 27 touchdowns over that three-year span. He likely would’ve continued that impressive run if it weren’t for an injury in 2010.
18. Heath Miller
Years Active: 2005-2015 (11 seasons)
Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers
Career Stats: 168 games, 592 receptions, 6,569 yards, 45 touchdowns
Heath Miller was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 30th overall pick in 2005. He immediately became one of Ben Roethlisberger’s favorite targets and remained that way throughout his entire 11-year career. His career-highs in a season were 76 catches, 816 yards, and 8 touchdowns.
17. Vernon Davis
Years Active: 2006-2019 (14 seasons)
Teams: San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos, Washington Redskins
Career Stats: 198 games, 583 receptions, 7,562 yards, 63 touchdowns
Vernon Davis was the sixth overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2006. He was a beast of a tight end that recorded 13 touchdowns in two different seasons. His best season came in 2009 when he put up 78 catches, 965 yards, and 13 touchdowns. He was a two-time Pro Bowler and one-time Super Bowl champ.
16. Jimmy Graham
Years Active: 2010-present (12 seasons)
Teams: New Orleans Saints, Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears
Career Stats: 182 games, 711 receptions, 8,490 yards, 85 touchdowns
Jimmy Graham was a third round draft pick of the New Orleans Saints in 2010 and immediately became a favorite target of Drew Brees. He had at least 10 touchdowns in four seasons, including a career-high 16 touchdowns in 2013. He also had at least 1,000 yards in two seasons and at least 85 receptions in four straight seasons.
15. Russ Francis
Years Active: 1975-1988 (13 seasons)
Teams: New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers
Career Stats: 167 games, 393 receptions, 5,262 yards, 40 touchdowns
Russ Francis was the 16th overall pick by the New England Patriots in 1975. He spent the next six seasons with New England before retiring in 1981. He returned in 1982 and played 5.5 seasons with the 49ers before finishing his career with the Patriots. He never got a lot of receptions or targets, but he racked up yards and touchdowns.
14. Dave Casper
Years Active: 1974-1984 (11 seasons)
Teams: Los Angeles Raiders, Oakland Raiders, Houston Oilers, Minnesota Vikings
Career Stats: 147 games, 378 receptions, 5,216 yards, 52 touchdowns
Dave Casper was a second round draft choice by the Oakland Raiders in 1974. He didn’t receive a lot of opportunity in his first two seasons, but was one of the best tight ends in the NFL over the next 7 seasons. He had a career-high 10 touchdowns in 1976 and a career-high 62 catches and 852 yards in 1978.
13. Jackie Smith
Years Active: 1963-1978 (16 seasons)
Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys
Career Stats: 210 games, 480 receptions, 7,918 yards, 40 touchdowns
Jackie Smith was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 10th round of the 1963 draft. He played the next 15 seasons with the team and was named to the Pro Bowl in five consecutive seasons from 1966-1970. He had a career year in 1967 with 56 catches, 1,209 yards, and 9 touchdowns.
12. Greg Olsen
Years Active: 2007-2020 (14 seasons)
Teams: Chicago Bears, Carolina Panthers, Seattle Seahawks
Career Stats: 199 games, 742 receptions, 8,683 yards, 60 touchdowns
Greg Olsen was drafted by the Chicago Bears with the 31st overall pick in 2007. He had an impressive four-year stint with them, putting up 194 catches, 1,981 yards, and 20 touchdowns. He then spent nine seasons in Carolina, where he put up 524 catches, 6,463 yards, and 39 touchdowns. He was a three-time Pro Bowler.
11. Charlie Sanders
Years Active: 1968-1977 (10 seasons)
Teams: Detroit Lions
Career Stats: 128 games, 336 receptions, 4,817 yards, 31 touchdowns
Charlie Sanders was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 1968 NFL Draft. He spent his entire 10-year career with the team and had at least 400 yards in nine of those seasons – including a career-high 656 yards in 1969. He was a seven-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro en route to being inducted into the Hall of Fame.
10. Travis Kelce
Years Active: 2013-present (9 seasons)
Teams: Kansas City Chiefs
Career Stats: 125 games, 695 receptions, 8,947 yards, 55 touchdowns
Travis Kelce has emerged as the greatest tight end of his generation. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round of the 2013 draft. He has recorded more than 100 catches in two seasons, double-digit touchdowns in two seasons, and more than 1,000 yards in six straight seasons.
9. Mike Ditka
Years Active: 1961-1972 (12 seasons)
Teams: Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles
Career Stats: 158 games, 427 receptions, 5,812 yards, 43 touchdowns
Mike Ditka was drafted by the Chicago Bears with the fifth overall pick in 1961. He recorded 1,076 yards and 12 touchdowns in his rookie season, the most of any rookie tight end in NFL history. In his first four years in the NFL, he recorded an impressive 248 receptions, 3,671 yards, and 30 touchdowns.
8. Ozzie Newsome
Years Active: 1978-1990 (13 seasons)
Teams: Cleveland Browns
Career Stats: 198 games, 662 receptions, 7,980 yards, 47 touchdowns
Ozzie Newsome was drafted by the Cleveland Browns with the 23rd overall pick in the 1978 draft. He made an immediate impact as a rookie and scored nine touchdowns in his second season. He recorded his first 1,000-yard season in 1981 and did it again in 1984 – a year that saw him put up 89 catches for the second straight season.
7. John Mackey
Years Active: 1963-1972 (10 seasons)
Teams: Baltimore Colts, San Diego Chargers
Career Stats: 139 games, 331 receptions, 5,236 yards, 38 touchdowns
John Mackey was a second round draft choice of the Baltimore Colts in 1963. He spent the next nine seasons with the team, recording at least 400 yards in eight of those seasons. In the three seasons that he recorded above 700 yards, he also recorded seven or more touchdowns – including a career-high nine touchdowns in 1966.
6. Shannon Sharpe
Years Active: 1990-2003 (14 seasons)
Teams: Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens
Career Stats: 204 games, 815 receptions, 10,060 yards, 62 touchdowns
Shannon Sharpe was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round of the 1990 draft. His role continued to grow through his first two seasons and enjoyed a breakout year in 1992. He came five yards short of 1,000 yards in 1993, but eventually achieved that milestone three times in his career. He also had two seasons with double-digit touchdowns.
5. Jason Witten
Years Active: 2003-2020 (17 seasons)
Teams: Dallas Cowboys, Las Vegas Raiders
Career Stats: 271 games, 1,228 receptions, 13,046 yards, 74 touchdowns
Jason Witten was everything you could’ve asked for in a tight end. During his 17-year career, Witten only missed one game and set a record among tight ends for making 179 consecutive starts. He had a career-high 110 receptions in 2012, amassed 1,000 yards in four seasons, and had over 100 targets in nine different seasons.
4. Kellen Winslow
Years Active: 1979-1987 (9 seasons)
Teams: San Diego Chargers
Career Stats: 109 games, 541 receptions, 6,741 yards, 45 touchdowns
Kellen Winslow was drafted 13th overall by the San Diego Chargers in 1979. While he only played nine seasons in the NFL, he made the most of his opportunities and finished with 88+ receptions, 1,000+ yards, and 8+ touchdowns in three of his first five seasons. He continued to be productive for the next four years before retiring due to injury.
3. Antonio Gates
Years Active: 2003-2018 (16 seasons)
Teams: San Diego Chargers, Los Angeles Chargers
Career Stats: 236 games, 955 receptions, 11,841 yards, 116 touchdowns
Antonio Gates is the only tight end on this list that went undrafted, doing so in 2003. He signed with the San Diego Chargers and had a decent rookie season before breaking out as a star in 2004 with 81 catches, 964 yards, and 13 touchdowns. He had double-digit touchdowns in four seasons, 1,100+ yards in two seasons, and 100+ targets in six seasons.
2. Rob Gronkowski
Years Active: 2010-present (11 seasons)
Teams: New England Patriots, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Career Stats: 141 games, 607 receptions, 9,034 yards, 92 touchdowns
Rob Gronkowski was a second round draft pick of the New England Patriots in 2010 and became one of Tom Brady’s favorite targets throughout his career. He’s a touchdown machine, recording 10+ touchdowns in five of his first six seasons. He also amassed 1,000 yards four times, despite missing a lot of time due to injury.
1. Tony Gonzalez
Years Active: 1997-2013 (17 seasons)
Teams: Kansas City Chiefs, Atlanta Falcons
Career Stats: 270 games, 1,325 receptions, 15,127 yards, 111 touchdowns
Tony Gonzalez was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs with the 13th overall pick in 1997. He spent the first 12 years of his career with the team – amassing 1,000 yards four times, 10+ touchdowns three times, and a career-high 102 receptions in 2004. He then enjoyed an impressive five-year stint with the Atlanta Falcons before retiring.
Who Are the Best Tight Ends Right Now?
Every single year we see a new class of tight ends enter the NFL and try to write their name among the best tight ends of all-time. Some of these young tight ends will go on to have successful careers, while some of them will quickly fade away as they become irrelevant.
Today, there are several tight ends that have either already found themselves on the list of best tight ends of all-time or are on their way to that achievement. They’re a nightmare for opposing defenses and consistently make their quarterback better – as well as their team as a whole.
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The best tight ends in the NFL right now include Travis Kelce, George Kittle, Dallas Goedert, Rob Gronkowski, Zach Ertz, Cole Kmet, Tyler Conklin, Mark Andrews, Dawson Knox, Dalton Schultz, Darren Waller, Mike Gesicki, T.J. Hockenson, and Hunter Henry.
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