Tale of the Tape: Travis Kelce versus Rob Gronkowski
By Grant Tuttle
Rob Gronkowski is largely considered the best tight end in the NFL, but Travis Kelce has a better case than most of the NFL might think.
I present to you the second biggest lie that anyone has ever told you regarding tight ends: Travis Kelce is inferior to Rob Gronkowski. The only bigger myth is that Tony Gonzalez is not the greatest tight end to ever play the game.
Yes, Travis Kelce has been a dominant force and has been, in my opinion, the best tight end in football. Yet, all the NFL seems to talk about is Rob Gronkowski. Turn on any show on ESPN about football, and you will not hear about any tight end not named Gronkowski. Chiefs Kingdom, this is an injustice.
Let’s take a closer look at the tale of the tape.
Location, Location, Location
First and foremost, each tight end plays in a completely different market. Rob Gronkowski plays for the New England Patriots in Boston. Travis Kelce plays for the Chiefs in Kansas City. Of course Gronkowski receives more attention from the NFL. He plays in the same city that has produced some of the greatest sports teams in history. He plays with Tom Brady, who is one of the greatest football players in history. Gronkowski plays in the same city that has the Boston Celtics, the NBA team with the most Championships. This is also the location of the Red Sox who are tied for the fourth most World Series victories.
Travis Kelce is in Kansas City. I am not about to talk bad about this city. The fans get little credit for their loyalty and passion. Kansas City does not have an NBA team. Yes, the Royals won a World Series. That was wonderful, but now they are struggling to string together two consecutive wins. The Chiefs have struggles of their own. They have not won a Super Bowl since 1970 and have endured a lot of losing stretches. Fortunately, there are loyal, true, passionate fans in Kansas City.
What this means for Kelce is that he simply does not get media exposure and the recognition that he deserves because he plays in a smaller market. If Gronkowski decides to go on a cruise, the media is all over it. He doesn’t even have to play the game. Travis Kelce has earned any recognition he has gotten.