Chiefs Land Four Pro Bowlers, with Kelce Leading the Way - Again
For the second year in a row, Travis Kelce is the top vote-getter for the Pro Bowl - and it wasn’t even close. The Kansas City Chiefs’ veteran tight end pulled in a staggering 420,383 votes, comfortably ahead of Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who finished second with 263,127. Kelce’s popularity is undeniable, but it’s his play on the field - not just his name recognition - that earned him this spot.
Kelce is one of four Chiefs named to this year’s Pro Bowl roster, joining center Creed Humphrey, defensive tackle Chris Jones, and guard Trey Smith. Humphrey and Jones were both named starters, a nod to their consistent dominance in the trenches. Smith, a rising force on the offensive line, rounds out the group of honorees.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, linebacker Nick Bolton, and cornerback Trent McDuffie were named as alternates - a testament to the depth of talent still present on this Chiefs roster, even in a season that fell short of postseason expectations.
This marks only the second time in the past seven years that Chiefs players are eligible to participate in Pro Bowl activities, due to the team’s early playoff exit. With Super Bowl LX out of reach, Kansas City’s stars are now free to take part in the Pro Bowl Games, which will feature a mix of skills competitions and a 7-on-7 flag football showdown on February 3 in San Francisco.
Despite the team’s struggles this year, Kelce continues to put up numbers that place him among the game’s all-time greats. Now in his 13th season, he leads the team in both receptions (68) and receiving yards (803). And last week, even in a tough loss to the Titans, he carved out another slice of history - becoming just the second player in NFL history (alongside Jerry Rice) with 12 consecutive seasons of at least 800 receiving yards.
It’s another milestone in a career that’s already destined for Canton. Kelce’s blend of production, durability, and big-game presence has made him the heartbeat of the Chiefs’ offense for over a decade. And while Kansas City’s season didn’t end the way fans had hoped, the Pro Bowl nods serve as a reminder that the core of this team remains elite.
Creed Humphrey’s selection as a starter is particularly noteworthy. The third-year center has been a rock in the middle of the line, anchoring pass protection and opening lanes in the run game. Chris Jones, meanwhile, continues to be a wrecking ball on the defensive front - his ability to disrupt plays and command double teams makes life easier for everyone around him.
Trey Smith’s inclusion is a well-earned recognition of his growth and consistency. The former sixth-round pick has developed into a mauler in the run game and a dependable pass protector, helping solidify one of the league’s better offensive lines.
Even though Mahomes didn’t crack the starting Pro Bowl lineup this year, his alternate status is more a reflection of the team’s overall performance than his individual play. He remains one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the league - and if history is any guide, he’ll be back in the Pro Bowl mix soon enough.
Nick Bolton and Trent McDuffie also earned alternate honors, and both have made strong cases. Bolton’s sideline-to-sideline range and leadership in the middle of the defense have been crucial, while McDuffie’s emergence as a top-tier corner has given the secondary a real boost.
The Pro Bowl might not carry the same weight it once did, but for players, it’s still a meaningful recognition from fans, coaches, and peers. And for Chiefs fans, it’s a reminder that even in a down year, the talent in Kansas City runs deep - and the foundation for future success is still firmly in place.