Exclusive: Rob Gronkowski on the current NFL tight end that reminds him most of himself

Rob Gronkowski has revealed which current NFL tight end he feels most similar to in terms of playing style. The four-time Super Bowl champion made the comparison in an exclusive interview with ClutchPoints for his partnership with Bounty.

"I don't remind him of my size because we're different sizes," Gronkowski said of George Kittle, "but the way that he plays is George Kittle."

Gronkowski praised Kittle's blocking ability as well as his catching skills and dominance in the passing game. "The way he blocks defensive ends, how much passion he has in the blocking game, but also the way he catches the ball and dominates throwing defenders off of him," he explained. "He’s a complete tight end. He reminds me most of myself."

Kittle recently returned to action after recovering from a torn right Achilles tendon sustained in the NFC wild-card playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles in January. He was cleared for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season. Despite his impressive track record as a five-time Pro Bowler, four-time First-team All-Pro, and a four-time Super Bowl winner with the Patriots and Buccaneers, Gronkowski's recognition of Kittle is a notable feat.

Gronkowski announced his final retirement from the Patriots in November 2025, signing a ceremonial one-day contract with the organization. He previously retired in March 2019 but returned in 2020 to play alongside Tom Brady in his final season with the Buccaneers. Since retiring, Gronkowski has transitioned to broadcast media as an NFL studio analyst for Fox Sports and co-hosts the podcast "The Gronk & Jules Show" with former New England teammate Julian Edelman.