Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end, has been ranked as the 79th best player in the NFL, according to a poll of his peers. This marks a substantial drop from the previous year when he was ranked 37th, a decline of 42 places.
The annual rankings, compiled from votes by NFL players, are released in the weeks leading up to training camp each offseason.
The 2025 season saw the Chiefs miss the playoffs entirely, a stark contrast to their success in reaching four of the previous five Super Bowls. Despite the team's struggles, Kelce recorded 76 receptions for 851 yards and five touchdowns. He will turn 37 in October.
In March, Kelce, a four-time All-Pro, agreed to a one-year deal with the Chiefs worth $12 million, with incentives that could increase the total to $15 million. He chose to return for his 14th season rather than retire after a career that includes three Super Bowl championships.
"You always need to take a step back, breathe and let the emotions of the season settle down and see where the body is," Kelce stated on 'The Pat McAfee Show' after re-signing. "Man, I'm still in love with this game. I still love going to work, putting on the pads, grinding it out and just playing the game."
Kelce indicated that his decision to play for the Chiefs again was influenced by his wife, pop superstar Taylor Swift. The couple, who married on July 3, share a similar dedication to their respective careers. "We share the same love for what we do, and fortunately we've had this desire since we were kids in our selective professions," Kelce said. "It's amazing to see her keep going to the table, keep finding new things to write about, keep finding new melodies and, on top of that, still seeing her have that love and joy in what she does. Of course that's motivating."