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Chiefs React to Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce News on Thursday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Jul 31, 2025 1:12 PM ET

The Kansas City Chiefs are now over a week into NFL training camp, following their heartbreaking loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX back in February.

Both quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce seem more motivated than ever to bounce back, not only from the Super Bowl defeat but also after somewhat underperforming statistically compared to their usual standards last season.

“I think it’ll be good for us at the end of the day," Mahomes said. "Looking back, you want to win the game, but a lot of these guys hadn’t lost one, hadn’t ended the season on a loss, so I’m sure they’ll be motivated to go back out there and try to find a way to get to the Super Bowl and win it this year.”

"Last year, I think I failed," Kelce said after deciding to return for his 13th season. "Especially in that last game in being a leader and being the one that can step up and make plays."

This week, however, it seems some extra fire may have been added for both Mahomes and Kelce as the official ratings for the popular video game Madden 26 were released.

While their video game ratings don’t affect their real-world performance, Kelce was ranked 93 overall — five spots lower than fellow tight end and friend George Kittle, who was rated 98.

Mahomes was rated 95, coming in below Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Joe Burrow, three of his biggest AFC competitors. The highest-rated player on the Chiefs roster was pass rusher Chris Jones at 97 overall.

The Chiefs reacted to the news by sharing that Kansas City ranks among the top 10 in their positional group ratings.

Numbers are in.

These Chiefs are top 10 in their position group ratings, according to @EAMaddenNFL pic.twitter.com/x1a6mKOekd
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) July 31, 2025

Fans ultimately didn't take the news all that well:

"The disrespect for Patrick Mahomes is at an all-time high," a fan said.

Someone else added, "Not only did they snuff mahomes from the 99 club but they put him as a 95."

Another person wrote, "Mahomes at 95? Holy. Airball."

"Pat being 2 overalls lower than Burrow is hilarious," one more fan commented.

@TKelce x @EAMaddenNFL pic.twitter.com/L9FhZ9zHJq
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) July 31, 2025

Patrick Mahomes has been rated a 99 overall in Madden four times, while Travis Kelce has earned a 99 rating an impressive five times throughout his career — the most of any tight end in NFL history.

However, both were part of the 99 Club just a year ago in Madden 25, making their latest ratings notable drop-offs from one year to the next — especially considering the team reached the Super Bowl, even with statistical declines.

Last season, Mahomes threw for 3,928 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, while Kelce recorded 97 receptions for 823 yards and just three touchdowns.

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

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