The NFL announced on December 23 that Kelce was selected to the 2026 Pro Bowl, earning a spot alongside Kansas City starters Creed Humphrey and Chris Jones, as well as Trey Smith. Chiefs observers noted four Chiefs players earned Pro Bowl recognition that week, underscoring individual performances despite the team’s overall 2025 campaign not meeting its goals.
Kelce will miss the Pro Bowl games in San Francisco, with Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid set to replace him on the AFC roster. The decision to sit out surprised some, given Kelce’s health status, but the team ultimately opted for Kincaid to participate in the league’s all-star showcase.
Along with Kelce’s absence, Chris Jones was also originally selected but will not attend, leaving Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith as Kansas City’s two Pro Bowl representatives in attendance. Jones, speaking after receiving the nod, credited his strong supporting cast for the recognition and expressed gratitude for the continued respect from peers and fans.
Fans can watch the Pro Bowl on Tuesday, February 3, with the flag football game scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on ESPN and NFL+. The event, held in San Francisco as part of the lead-up to Super Bowl LX, features top players in a non-contact format and ties into the league’s ongoing exploration of flag football’s role in the sport’s future, including a connection to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
As Kelce navigates this offseason, the Pro Bowl decisions mark one facet of a broader discussion about his playing future. The Chiefs’ Pro Bowl selections remain notable for the franchise, even as one of its stars sits out the league’s all-star game.
