The 2025 NFL season is winding down to its last couple of weeks, and the same could possibly be said for the career of Travis Kelce. And while the Kansas City Chiefs don’t have anything left to play for, Kelce might, if he cares at all about the all-time tight ends records lists.
Travis Kelce Nearing 2nd Place On Tight End Yards List
With just two games left, Kelce is sitting at 12,954 career receiving yards. That puts him just 92 yards away from Jason Witten’s total and second place on the all-time list among players at his position.
Kelce’s climb up the all-time list has been a storybook journey. Drafted in 2013, he played a major part in the transformation of the tight end, and is a sure-fire Hall of Famer who will retire with Super Bowl rings on three different fingers. His longevity has allowed Kelce to play at a high level deep into his 30s, which has helped him to rank in the top-5 in catches, yards, and touchdowns among all tight ends in league history.
This season has been different. The Chiefs were officially eliminated from playoff contention after a late-season loss, and Kelce’s 2025 campaign has lacked its usual buzz. Despite still being one of Kansas City’s top offensive weapons, his production has dipped compared to previous years, with just 803 yards entering the final two games.
Will he be able to gain the 93 yards needed to pass Witten on the all-time list? It certainly won’t be easy. Travis Kelce has put up single-digit yardage totals in two of the last three games, and things aren’t any easier with Patrick Mahomes on the sidelines. In Sunday’s game against Tennessee, he was targeted four times and made one catch for 6 yards.
Chiefs Will Take On Broncos, Raiders To Close Out Season
On Christmas Day, the Chiefs will take on the Broncos, who have one of the league’s top defenses. It would mean a lot for Kelce to be able to pass Witten in front of the home fans, but having the kind of necessary yardage total with Chris Oladokun under center may not be the best bet. Kansas City will close their season by taking on the Raiders in Las Vegas in Week 18.
Kelce himself has been non-committal in recent media appearances. In a post-elimination press conference, he declined to address his long-term plans, instead focusing on the present and the importance of finishing the season with his teammates.
Whether Travis Kelce decides to play beyond 2025 or walk away, the chance to eclipse Witten’s mark offers a compelling storyline for the final weeks of his season.
