Tight Ends: A Simple Guide

If you are looking to learn what a tight end is or have a bunch of questions about this interesting position, you have come to the right article. 

Tight Ends

A tight end is an offensive position in the American football. They are positioned at the end of the line next to the offensive tackle. Depending on the team’s formation, some teams may have tight ends while other teams may choose to have running backs or a fullback instead. So don’t be surprised if you happen to see no tight ends in one of the upcoming games. 

In recent years, teams have increasingly shifted to passing plays as opposed to running plays. This led to the role of tight ends becoming ever more important. A tight end is effectively a hybrid of an offensive lineman and a wide receiver. 

Tight ends have three main roles:

#1 Blocking 

A tight end that has been deployed primarily for blocking will have bigger built since the goal is to protect the quarterback against the sack. He can also assist running backs who are advancing the ball by moving out to the field and block any potential defenders.

#2 Receiving

For tight ends who are positioned behind the line (h-back), they will be out in the field to catch short range passes from the quarterback. Then, they advance the ball if the situation is right. Usually, quarterbacks would prefer to make forward passes to wide receivers because of the high yard points, but such scenarios don’t come often.

Quarterbacks may be pressured to make other plays that require tight ends to fill the immediate role of receivers by making himself open for passing routes and outrun defenders when he gets the pass. 

#3 Rushing

Although running plays have declined in recent years in the NFL, quarterbacks may decide to handoff or make short range passses to tight ends for a run, based on his reads on defenders. To be effective, tight ends must have the speed and agility to outrun defenders – and when possible, overpower them through brute force to gain yard points. 

Why is it Called Tight End?

“Tight end” received its name as players are lined up at the end of the offensive line next to the offensive tackle. Typically, they are stationed there to keep the defensive gap tight. Hence, it gained the name tight end. 

Can Tight Ends Run the Ball?

No, tight ends are not eligible to carry the ball due to the ‘4 backs and 7 lines’ rule. However, if he is lined up behind the line of scrimmage, he would be allowed to carry and run the ball. He would be known as the h-back in this case. 

Is Tight End a Skill Position?

In American Football, the term ‘skill position’ refers to players who mostly carry the ball and are responsible for scoring points. Another distinction is the size and speed. Skill positions tend to be faster, lighter and smaller than non-skill positions. This includes the quarterback, running back/ fullback, wide receivers, and tight ends (h-back).[1] Offensive line players like center, tackles, and guards are not considered as skill positions. 

Do Tight Ends Have to be Fast?

If the tight end is put on the team by the coach solely for the purpose of blocking, he doesn’t have to be fast. Instead, he has to be an effective lead blocker. Therefore, one has to have the appropriate size, which is a trade-off for speed. 

However, if the tight end’s main role is to catch short passes and run the ball, coaches will generally prefer a faster tight end. 

Who is the Best Tight End of All Time?

Based on the following stats, it is clear that Tony Gonzalez is the best tight end of all time – with 1,325 catches, 15,127 yards, and 111 touchdowns in 270 games in the period of 1997 to 2013.[2]

Name	Team	No. of Games	Catches	Yards	Touchdowns
Tony Gonzalez	Kansas City 1997-2008; Atlanta 2009-13	270	1,325	15,127	111
Antonio Gates	San Diego 2003-18	236	955	11,841	116
Rob Gronkowski	New England 2010-18	115	521	7,861	79
Shannon Sharpe	Denver 1990-99, 2002-03; Baltimore 2000-01	204	815	10,060	62
Kellen Winslow	San Diego 1979-87	109	541	6,741	45
Ozzie Newsome	Cleveland 1978-90	198	662	7,980	47
Mike Ditka	Chicago 1961-66; Philadelphia 1967-68; Dallas 1969-72	158	427	5812	43
John Mackey	Baltimore Colts 1963-71; San Diego 1972	139	331	5236	38
Jason Witten	Dallas 2003-17	239	1215	12977	72
Dave Casper	Oakland 1974-80, ’84, Houston Oilers 1981-83; Minnesota 1983	147	378	5216	52
Greg Olsen	Chicago Bears 2007-10, Carolina Panthers 2011-19, Seattle Seahawks 2020	174	718	8444	59
Jackie Smith	St. Louis Cardinals 1963-77; Dallas 1978	210	480	7918	40
Jimmy Graham	New Orleans 2010-14; Seattle 2015-17, Green Bay 2018-present	137	649	7883	74
Jerry Smith	Washington 1965-77	168	421	5496	60
Ben Coates	New England 1991-99; Baltimore Ravens 2000	158	499	5555	50
Charlie Sanders	Detroit 1968-77	128	336	4817	31
Todd Christensen	New York Giants 1979; Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders 1979-88	137	461	5872	41
Keith Jackso	Philadelphia 1988-91; Miami 1992-94; Green Bay 1995-96	129	441	5283	49
Dallas Clark	Indianapolis Colts 2003-11; Tampa Bay 2012; Baltimore 2013	143	505	5665	53
Heath Miller	Pittsburgh 2005-15	168	592	6569	45
Vernon Davis	San Francisco 2006-15; Denver 2015; Washington 2016-19	194	583	7562	63
Riley Odoms	Denver 1972-8	153	396	5755	41
Travis Kelce	Kansas City Chiefs 2013-Present	96	507	6465	37
Jay Novacek	St. Louis/Phoenix Cardinals 1985-89; Dallas 1990-95	158	422	4630	30
Zach Ertz	Philadelphia Eagles 2013-Present	106	525	5743	35

Closing Thoughts

Now you have learnt that tight end is a hybrid of receivers and offensive lineman. Hence they not only have to be strong to be able to block defenders, but they also have to be fast and able to catch passes. So tell us what do you think about this role? Let us know in the comment section below. 

Resources:

[1] “What is a ‘skilled position’ in football? – Quora.” 15 Jun. 2019, https://www.quora.com/What-is-a-skilled-position-in-football. Accessed 6 Jul. 2020.
[2] “25 Greatest Tight Ends in NFL History – Athlon Sports.” 22 Apr. 2020, https://athlonsports.com/nfl/25-greatest-tight-ends-nfl-history. Accessed 6 Jul. 2020.