The NFL is starting to learn what Pittsburgh Steelers fans have already discovered: Darnell Washington is one of a kind. At 6'7'' and 311 pounds, the big tight end can block like an offensive tackle but also possesses soft, natural hands and the ability to run defenders over after the catch.
One NFL legend is infatuated with Washington.
Future Hall of Famer Rob Gronkowski joined Kay Adams on Up & Adams, where he explained that Washington reminds him of himself during his playing days. Gronk was asked about how someone as big as him could ever move the way he did. He admitted that this part of the reasons why people loved him. He then shifted gears to about why he loves Washington.
"Who also is making me realize that is Darnell Washington 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 three hundred pounds. 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."
"I'm like, 'Okay, I can understand how the fans went so crazy, because I'm the biggest guy out on the field as well..."
Rob Gronkowski comparing Darnell Washington to himself is the highest praise possible for the Pittsburgh Steelers' tight end
Gronkowski is being modest. There's nobody like him playing the game, and there might not be again. However, out of all the names he could have chosen to spotlight at the tight end position around the NFL, Gronk chose Darnell Washington.
It's not hard to understand where he's coming from.
Washington is quick to catch the eye of spectators, as you don't often see players his size get the football thrown their way. Gronk loves Washington's ability to run defenders over and how nimble he is for a pass catcher who weighs over 300 pounds. Not even Gronk himself fits the same physical profile as Washington, as the Steelers' tight end is as big as they come.
Entering Week 16, Washington is the 12th-highest-graded tight end in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus. So far this season, he has earned 26 receptions on 37 targets for 313 yards and a touchdown in 14 games.
Washington isn't exactly a focal point of the receiving game, but his presence is felt heavily on offense, thanks to his ability as a blocker and pass-catcher.
Washington will never be Gronkowski as a player, but the fact that the New England Patriots legend is comparing the Steelers tight end to himself shows you exactly what he thinks of Darnell Washington's game.