Travis Kelce’s latest NFL ranking is a reminder that time catches everybody, even one of the league’s most recognizable stars.
The Chiefs tight end landed at No. 79 on the NFL’s rolling Top 100 list, a steep fall from No. 42 a year ago. That drop makes sense given where Kelce is in his career, but it doesn’t erase the fact that he still turned in a strong season for Kansas City.
Even with the Chiefs missing the playoffs, Kelce suited up for all 17 games last season and finished with 76 catches, 851 receiving yards and five touchdowns. He also averaged 11.2 yards per reception.
Patrick Mahomes slid as well, checking in at No. 18.
The NFL’s writeup on Kelce made clear that the number next to his name doesn’t tell the full story. “Though the future Hall of Famer has lost a step, Kelce remains one of the elite tight ends in the league, and the 36-year-old still has some spring in his step,” the league noted, pointing to his 463 yards after the catch in 2025, which ranked third among tight ends.
The praise kept going. “Having been voted to his 11th Pro Bowl, Kelce's best seasons might be in the rearview, but his peak form is still better than most,” they add. “He's got at least one more season with the Chiefs -- whom he led in catches, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns -- to wrap up what's been one of the greatest careers in NFL history for a tight end, whether you're judging it with statistics, team success or individual accolades like his 11th straight Top 100 spot.”
So yes, the ranking is a drop. But No. 79 is still a number plenty of players would happily take at 36.
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