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Travis Kelce Taking Hit Prior to Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rodney Knuppel | Last updated Aug 11, 2025 4:01 PM ET

Reality is starting to set in for Travis Kelce. While he’s still an effective player for one of the NFL’s top teams, Father Time catches up to everyone, and his turn is coming. The three-time Super Bowl champion is entering another season knowing his role may continue to change.

On Monday, the Daily Mail discussed the Chiefs tight end and the reality facing the 35-year-old as he prepares for the 2025 regular season opener on Sept. 5 in Brazil. The entire article can be seen here.

“Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has suffered another setback as the NFL season approaches with the 35-year-old under a massive spotlight.”

Sixth Best Fantasy Tight End

Kelce is projected as the sixth-best tight end in most fantasy football leagues for the 2025 season. The players ranked ahead of him are:

Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders
George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers
Tre McBride, Arizona Cardinals
Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions
TJ Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings

Comparable to 2024?

Kelce has always had the drive to be the best in the league, but at age 35, those days are likely behind him. Still, when you consider that he finished the 2024 season as the seventh-best fantasy tight end, his 2025 outlook isn’t all that bad.

He’s still ranked ahead of notable names such as:

David Njoku, Cleveland Browns
Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens
Evan Engram, Denver Broncos

Madden 26 Ranking

Kelce remains the second-ranked tight end in Madden 26, trailing only George Kittle, who is rated 98 overall. Kelce’s rating is 93, down from last season’s 99, which is the highest rating a player can receive.

Travis Kelce's Career Accomplishments with the Kansas City Chiefs

Outside of his high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift, Kelce’s career achievements speak for themselves:

3x Super Bowl champion
4x First-team All-Pro
10x Pro Bowl
NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
Career postseason receptions leader: 174
12,151 receiving yards
80 total touchdowns
7 seasons with 1,000+ receiving yards by a tight end

Ratings aside, it’s hard to bet against Travis Kelce. His championship pedigree, combined with having Patrick Mahomes throwing to him, keeps him among the league’s most dangerous weapons.

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

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