If you’ve been an NFL fan long enough, you know that comparing tight ends is practically a national pastime. Every generation has its debate—Tony Gonzalez vs. Antonio Gates, Shannon Sharpe vs. Jason Witten, and now? It’s Rob Gronkowski vs. Travis Kelce. It’s the kind of argument that fills barstools, dominates sports radio, and fuels endless social media debates. But for Gronk? He’s officially done with the noise.

For years, fans and analysts have measured Kelce against the former Patriots and Buccaneers legend, dissecting stats, play styles, and even their off-field personalities. And now that Kelce has decided to run it back for another season—despite whispers that it might be time to hang it up—the conversation has only heated up. So when Julian Edelman put Gronk on the spot about the comparisons, the future Hall of Famer didn’t hold back.

First things first, Travis Kelce is coming back for another season. This move had many people stunned, as they thought it was time for Kelce to retire. He is 35 years old, posted career lows this season, and if that’s not enough, the way he played in the Super Bowl against Philly had many urging him to retire. But Kelce feels he hasn’t got enough confetti in his hair, he wants some more. So, ever since he decided to return for another season, Kelce has been a hot topic. And that’s where Gronk comes in.

He addressed a question many have been asking lately. If you want to know how Rob feels about people comparing him to Kelce, you might want to check out the new episode of Dudes on Dudes with Gronk and Jules. Former Pats WR Edelman tossed the much-asked question to Gronkowski. And the former TE, with his no-BS approach, believes there is not even a comparison between the two. “It’s not a comparison. I mean, you can compare us, but we’re two different players, to tell you the truth. It all depends on what type of scheme you’re in.“

Rob Gronkowski has retired twice. Most of you would know he first retired in 2019, only to make a comeback the very next year with the Bucs. Then, in 2022, he bid his final goodbye to the gridiron. Rob was a part of the Patriots for nine seasons and won four Super Bowl rings with the team.

“We have two different skill sets by far. He’s savvy at the top of the route. I was like, I’m going to run, and I’m just going to go to the corner, and I’m going to outrun the guy. I’m going to use my body. I’m going to be physical,” Gronk added, talking about his and Kelce’s play style. Talking about people putting him in the same category, he said it’s an “honor” to be in the same category, calling Kelce a “great player.” The former NFL TE added, “This guy has like eight moves. He’s like a wide receiver out there. So we’re two different players. You can compare us because we both wear the number 87, but we’re different players.” That’s it, period.

So, while Rob puts an end to the comparisons for good, Julian and he also discussed their top TE for the season.

Who was the best TE of 2024? Rob Gronkowski weighs in

Kelce is a great player, but were his numbers good enough for him to be the top TE this season? There have been enough conversations about it already. Kelce’s career low, 97 receptions for 823 yards, with an average of 8.3 yards per catch, has been highlighted enough. So, of course, these ‘not so impressive‘ stats have caused a bit of a shift in people’s perception of him. And Rob and Julian would agree too. The duo, on their podcast, dropped the name of who they think was the best on the gridiron this year. And it’s Niners TE George Kittle.

“I truly believe [George Kittle] earned it this year… George is in his 30s now, and the way that he plays the game, he still plays it like he’s 22 years old out on that field,” said Rob Gronkowski. Kittle recorded 78 receptions, racking up 1,106 yards with an average of 14.2 per catch. Although the Niners did not have a spectacular season, the team put only six wins in their winning column. But Kittle was one of the few players that stood out individually. “He’s running hard. It’s hard to tackle him, and he’s blocking like an absolute vicious maniac out there… he’s giving it his all every play, and he’s a leader,” added the former Pats TE.

Well, now that Travis is returning for another season, he has time to change that. Kittle, too, will be gracing the gridiron next season. So, now it will be interesting to see how the two perform. Wait, are we now trying to compare Kittle and Kelce? Well, maybe. Kelce and the Chiefs beat Kittle in Super Bowl LVIII, so the Niner gang might be out for vengeance.