“Don’t even come close”: Travis Kelce under fire as New England Patriots legend Rob Ninkovich makes bold Rob Gronkowski comparison during Hall of Fame ceremony

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. Rob Ninkovich draws a sharp line between Travis Kelce and Rob GronkowskiNinkovich did not hold back during Gronkowski's Patriots Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Gillette Stadium. The former New England linebacker attended the event and delivered a blunt assessment of the two tight ends.“Kelce and [Rob Gronkowski] don’t even come close. He’s [Kelce] a receiver. This guy’s [Gronkowski] a tight end,” Ninkovich said during the ceremony.His argument centres on the different responsibilities that come with playing tight end. While Kelce has built his reputation through route running, receiving ability and his connection with Patrick Mahomes, Gronkowski earned recognition for his ability to contribute as both a receiver and a blocker.This was not the first time Ninkovich questioned Kelce's blocking. During a 2018 appearance on the Hardwick & Richards podcast, he recalled facing the Chiefs star and claimed he had thrown him around like a little doll.“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.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. Travis Kelce's records tell a different story in the Rob Gronkowski debateKelce has already built a strong case for himself. 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.He has continued climbing the all-time list. In September 2026, Kelce moved past Jason Witten to claim second place among tight ends in career receiving yards. Only former Chiefs star Tony Gonzalez remains ahead of him.Gronkowski, meanwhile, made his mark through a combination of receiving and blocking. During his nine seasons with New England from 2010 to 2018, he recorded 521 receptions, 7,861 receiving yards and 79 touchdowns. He also helped the Patriots win three Super Bowls.Interestingly, Kelce has never hidden his admiration for Gronkowski. During a 2021 interview with Fanatics View, the Chiefs star praised his rival's talent and ability to overcome injuries and career setbacks.“I might be one of the biggest Gronk fans out there,” Kelce said.That admiration makes the latest criticism even more interesting. Kelce and Gronkowski have taken different routes to greatness, but both have changed expectations for the position.Gronkowski now has his Patriots Hall of Fame honour, while Kelce continues to add to his Kansas City legacy. Ninkovich has made his choice clear, but the numbers suggest this debate is far from settled.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.