Pittsburgh Steelers third-year tight end Darnell Washington has experienced a breakout season in 2025, earning praise from across the league, including NFL legend Rob Gronkowski.
If you asked Gronk, a four-time Super Bowl tight end and multiple First-Team All-Pro, Washington reminds him most of himself — a rare blend of size and run-after-the-catch ability.
“Who also is making me realize that is Darnell Washington,” Gronk said via the Up & Adams Show. “Every time he catches the ball for the Pittsburgh Steelers, I’m so intrigued and just cheer him on so much because I love seeing him run someone over.
“Just how big and nimble he is for how big he is, over 300 lbs. I mean, he’s not that fast, and he’s not going to produce a crazy amount, but whenever he does catch the ball, I’m just so in love with it, and then it kind of relates back to me.”
You’ll NEVER guess which current TE reminds Gronk of himself…@RobGronkowski | @heykayadamspic.twitter.com/1PMk7lgXJB
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) December 18, 2025
Washington has reached new heights in the Aaron Rodgers-led offense in 2025, catching 26 passes for 313 yards and one touchdown in 14 games while also cementing himself as one of the best blocking tight ends in the league.
There’s arguably no greater compliment a tight end can receive than praise from the G.O.A.T. at the position himself, leaving many hopeful that Washington is just beginning to scratch the surface of his potential.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers’ Darnell Washington earns high praise from Rob Gronkowski
