“Kelce and [Rob Gronkowski] don’t even come close

Travis Kelce faces fresh critiscism as Patriots legend Rob Ninkovich makes bold Rob Gronkowski comparison (Image via Getty Images)

In September 2021, he surpassed Gronkowski’s previous tight end receiving record of 8,668 yards. He reached 8,702 career receiving yards against the Dallas Cowboys, finishing that game with five catches for 74 yards.

This guy’s [Gronkowski] a tight end,” Ninkovich said during the ceremony. “I mean, I’ve played against Kelce, and I’ve thrown him around like he’s a little doll,” he said on the Hardwick & Richards podcast in 2018. “The guy doesn’t want to block, so when you’re a tight end, and you don’t want to block, you’re not really a tight end,” Ninkovich said. “I might be one of the biggest Gronk fans out there,” Kelce said.

Travis Kelce found himself in an unexpected NFL controversy. As the New England Patriots honoured Rob Gronkowski with a place in their team Hall of Fame, former linebacker Rob Ninkovich took another shot at the Kansas City Chiefs star. He questioned whether Kelce truly represents the traditional tight end position and made it clear that Gronkowski stands in a different category in his eyes. The comments added fresh fuel to one of the NFL’s biggest debates. Both players have dominated their position, but Ninkovich believes their contributions on the field tell two very different stories. “Kelce and [Rob Gronkowski] don’t even come close. He’s [Kelce] a receiver. The criticism has followed Kelce for years, although his production as a receiver makes it difficult to overlook his place among the NFL’s greatest tight ends. Kelce has already built a strong case for himself.