Jean Carniel/Reuters via Imagn Images

Chiefs Make Travis Kelce Announcement on Tuesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Jan 6, 2026 8:17 PM ET

Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs had a poor ending to the 2025 NFL season. Not only did they lose quarterback Patrick Mahomes to a torn ACL, but they also dropped the final six games of the season, finishing 6-11. This was topped off with a 14-12 Week 18 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.

While Kelce may not have had the most productive game of his career, finishing with just three catches for 12 yards, he still made history. The former Cincinnati Bearcats standout became only the third tight end in league history to reach 13,000 receiving yards, joining former Dallas Cowboys star Jason Witten and Chiefs legend Tony Gonzalez.

But Kelce wasn't done there. Going into the Week 18 AFC West showdown, Kelce had recorded 73 catches on the season. And with 10:30 remaining in the third quarter, backup quarterback Shane Buechele passed short to Kelce for a gain of five yards, marking the tight end's second catch of the day and 75th of the season.

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) reacts after making a catch for a first downJay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

In doing so, Kelce secured his 10th-straight season with 75 or more catches, dating back to 2016. This ties the record for the longest such streak, joining former Oakland Raiders wide receiver and Hall of Famer Tim Brown, who had ten consecutive seasons with 75+ catches from 1993 to 2002.

Not only that, but Kelce also passed Terrell Owens (1,078) for the eighth-most receptions in NFL history, totaling 1,080. He now only trails Brown by 14 yards for No. 7 on the NFL's all-time list.

"Additionally, Kelce logged his 10th consecutive season with at least 75 receptions, matching Tim Brown for the longest streak in league history," the Chiefs wrote. "It's unclear if Sunday was Kelce's last game as a professional or not, but regardless, his already incredible resume grew a little larger."

Travis Kelce made more NFL history in our final game of the season ⤵️
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 7, 2026

After 13 NFL seasons, Kelce now faces a major decision this offseason as he weighs the possibility of retirement.

"Who knows?" Kelce said after Chiefs vs. Raiders. "Either it hits me quick or I've got to take some time. Last year was a little bit easier. I think I knew right away I wanted to kind of give this one [year] a shot. We'll see."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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