According to NFL projections, Kelce could surpass Jason Witten for the second-most receiving yards by a tight end in NFL history. With at least 45 receiving yards in a game against Denver, Kelce would move past Witten’s 13,046 career receiving yards, narrowing the gap to Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez, who sits at 15,127 yards. This potential achievement underscores Kelce’s enduring impact and durability at the position.
Questions about retirement have lingered since the end of the 2025 season. At nearly 40, Kelce remains a central figure for the Chiefs’ offense, a testament to his conditioning, skill, and game intelligence. Last season, he reached the 13,000-career receiving yards milestone, becoming the fastest tight end to attain that mark. A pair of early-second-half completions—one for five yards from Chris Oladokun and another similarly short connection from Shane Buechele—helped cement his place among NFL elites and made him the 23rd player in league history to cross 13,000 yards.
Kelce has also set an NFL record for the most career playoff games with at least 100 receiving yards on an 18-yard catch, highlighting his performance in high-stakes moments. He has already surpassed Witten in another area: he finished ahead of the former Cowboys tight end for the second-most receiving yards in primetime games, a stat that showcases his ability to deliver under bright lights.
Receptions are another part of Kelce’s evolving legacy. By the end of last season, he was within striking distance of the all-time receptions list for tight ends. If he continues on his current pace, he could close in on Witten’s total and potentially Gonzalez’s, depending on how many seasons remain in his career.
Kelce’s yardage places him within striking distance of a historic playoff mark as well. He is just 168 yards away from breaking Jerry Rice’s all-time playoff receiving yards record of 2,245 yards, and he sits at 13,002 career receiving yards, just 88 behind Steve Largent for the No. 20 spot on the all-time list.
Last season presented its challenges for the Chiefs’ passing game, yet Kelce remained a bright spot. At age 36, he led the team with 851 receiving yards, 76 receptions, five touchdowns, 108 targets, and 45 first downs. The preseason offered a glimpse of a familiar, productive Kelce, as he connected with a rookie quarterback on the opening drive of a game against the defending champions, the Seattle Seahawks. Whether this vintage form becomes a consistent regular-season staple remains a topic of discussion among analysts and fans alike.
Kelce himself remains confident in what he brings to the field. He has stated his commitment to playing at a high level and to proving to himself that he can perform even better than last year. He emphasizes accountability to his teammates and the impact he can have on every play, reflecting the leadership role he has assumed in Kansas City’s locker room.
Looking ahead, Kelce is expected to be a primary focal point among the Chiefs’ pass catchers. With the receiving corps still developing and featuring relatively inexperienced players, quarterback Patrick Mahomes is likely to rely on Kelce more heavily than ever as a trusted, proven target who can deliver when it matters most.
As week one approaches, anticipation grows around Kelce’s potential to push deeper into NFL history while continuing to drive the Chiefs’ offense. His legacy—built on reliability, elite production, and clutch performances—remains firmly intact, and fans will be watching closely to see how far he can push the record books in the seasons ahead.
