South Fulton Today

Kyle Pitts broke a series of records in the match against the Lions, including the franchise record for yards in a single season as a tight end by Tony Gonzalez.

"Only a handful of wide receivers in the league can make those kinds of plays and we're fortunate to have a guy at the tight end spot who can go and do that," QB Matt Ryan said on the team's website.

Pitts finished the game over the Lions with six catches for 102 yards. His record-breaking day put him at 949 yards on the season. He is also the only rookie in the NFL history with 900 yards and 60+ receptions and is only second yards in a single season for a rookie tight end behind Mike Ditka.

Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez had 930 yards in 2012. 

"It means a lot to me because I personally think that he is the best ever," Pitts said. "He's someone that I've always watched to it feels great."

At 4.4, Pitts is lauded for wide receiver-like speed. 

"It's a long season for a rookie. Like I said, he's just scratching the surface. He made the Pro Bowl. He broke the franchise record for most yards in a season by a tight end. And he's just getting started. He's a rookie. It's a long, long year. He's had the right mindset. That's why he's fun to coach. And like I said, I told him the other day when he made the Pro Bowl, he's just scratching the surface. If he can continue to improve we'll see where this thing goes," said head coach Arthur Smith.