Remember when Tom Brady addressed Rob Gronkowski as ‘Robbie G’? Yeah, don’t even try that. For us it’s Gronk. But what he said following that, was something to note: “He had the route tree of a receiver, which is really hard for a guy who is 6-foot-6 and 265 pounds.” That’s not just high praise; that’s Hall of Fame validation. One that came after 141 games over 11 years, and winning 4 SBs in the time.

You see, Gronk was a tight end who could run like a wideout, block like a lineman, and dominate like… well, Gronk. So, when fans toss around the idea that Brock Bowers might be the next Gronk, you have to pause.

Rob himself isn’t buying it. When asked, ‘Is Brock Bowers the next Gronk?’ during a Bylt Basics Instagram Q&A, his response was short and legendary: “There’s only one GRONK!” Classic. Lighthearted? Sure. But also dead serious.

Now, here’s the thing that we must understand. Gronk wasn’t knocking Bowers; he’s a fan. “I was his biggest fan when he was in Georgia.” Yes, Rob said that on the ‘Up & Adams Show’. Not just that, he even called Brock “the complete package.” Still, there’s no mistaking Gronk’s message—he’s not handing over his crown just yet. For starters, Brock is just a rookie.

So, it’s only fair to compare his 2024 season with Rob’s 2010 (rookie) season.

And we have to say, Brock’s rookie season was wild. He’s the first rookie tight end named to the PFWA All-NFL Team since Keith Jackson in 1988. Plus, Rob even did not forget to mention it, saying, “100-something catches as just a rookie… If he keeps this up, he’ll shatter every tight-end record.” Coming from the guy with 17 touchdowns in a season, that’s no small endorsement.

But Rob knows. He knows what a comparison like that can do to a rookie with potential. It’s similar to comparing any up-and-coming brilliant QB prospect to TB12 or even Patrick Mahomes. You’re not doing them any favors. It’s unfair. So, that’s why he said there’s only one Gronk. That does not mean, in any way, there can’t be only one BROCK!

Meanwhile, after that huge appreciation, the 22-year-old rookie obviously had to respond, and he did it in style. “I grew up looking up to him,” he said about Gronk. But let’s be real—Bowers didn’t just study Gronk’s tape. You know he’s been watching Travis Kelce too. However, Kelce vs. Gronk? Now that’s a comparison worth every Sunday night debate. UFF!

The greatest healthiest rivalry between Rob Gronkowski and Travis Kelce

Picture this: Rob Gronkowski and Travis Kelce on the same team. Yeah, feels like a cheat code, doesn’t it? Back in October ’24, Gronk tossed the idea out on the Dudes on Dudes podcast with Julian Edelman. “We would complement each other unbelievably,” Rob said, adding, “We would’ve broken records.” Kelce caught wind of this and couldn’t resist chiming in. “Same team!?!? Would be unfair!!” he posted on X.

You can almost see him lateraling the ball to Gronk, right? But as unfair as it sounds, the rivalry we’ve gotten instead has been nothing short of legendary. And the debates about ‘Who’s the GOAT?’ out of the two? Yeah, that’s peak football. So, who’s the GOAT?

Andy Reid had his say. The guy who coached Trav into redefining what a tight end can be. Reid didn’t mince words when he called Kelce “the greatest tight end there’s been.” Big words, but Reid’s got the receipts. Kelce, at 35, just torched the Texans in the divisional round, snagging seven catches for 117 yards and a touchdown, taking the Chiefs to the AFC title clash against the Bills.

Oh, and he shattered Jerry Rice’s playoff record with his ninth 100-yard postseason game. That’s not just elite—it’s absurd.

Now, Gronk. You remember him, right? He transformed the phrase “catch-and-run” into “catch-and-destroy.” Gronk’s stats speak louder than words: 621 receptions, 9,286 yards, and 93 touchdowns over 11 seasons. And don’t forget those 4 Super Bowl rings. Kelce may have Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes. But Gronk had TB12… In New England, there was Bill Belichick, too. At Tampa, it was the chemistry between the two.

How do they stack up? Gronk’s got more touchdowns (93 to Kelce’s 76) and a higher yards-per-catch average (15.0 vs. 12.2). But Kelce’s consistency is WILD—seven straight 1,000-yard seasons and counting. And then comes the playoffs.

“Big-time players make big-time plays in big-time games,” Pat said about Kelce. Sounds about right. But Gronk’s no slouch in the postseason, either. Between them, they’ve made playoff football must-see TV, turning tight end into a glamour position.

Their rivalry? It’s more like mutual admiration. These two weren’t just competing for stats. But they have reshaped how we see the role. Whether it’s Gronk’s beach dance-offs or Kelce’s sideline shimmies, they’ve brought swagger to the gridiron. Now, it depends on your flavor. As for Reid? His choice might have some bias attached to it, but either pick seems fair at this point.