With that grab, Kelce reached 13,067 career receiving yards, moving within striking distance of Tony Gonzalez, who holds the all-time record for tight ends with 15,127 yards. If Kelce stays healthy through the 2026 season and returns for 2027, he will have a real shot at challenging Gonzalez’s long-standing mark.
Kelce’s current numbers in other categories show he still trails several peers. He has 1,082 receptions, which puts him behind Witten (1,228) and Gonzalez (1,325) for the most catches by a tight end. To surpass Witten, Kelce would need to continue playing into 2027, but overtaking Gonzalez would require multiple additional seasons. In touchdowns, Kelce has 82, trailing Tony Gonzalez (111), Antonio Gates (116), Rob Gronkowski (92), and Jimmy Graham (89).
Beyond the milestones, Kelce has consistently demonstrated a passion for the game. He remains enthusiastic about the everyday aspects of playing in the NFL, and while his future beyond the 2026 season isn’t set in stone, his current trajectory suggests he could continue contributing at a high level. At 36, Kelce is expected to play a central role in Kansas City’s passing attack in 2026, a season in which the Chiefs might rely heavily on his receiving skills.
Heading into 2026, Kansas City’s offense could again lean on Kelce, though the club did not add substantial receiving help in the offseason. While no other tight end on the roster is likely to replicate Kelce’s impact, the Chiefs will hope that emerging talents at wide receiver—such as Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Tyquan Thornton—along with improvements in the running game, can reduce the defensive focus on Kelce.
Despite turning 36, Kelce remains productive. He logged 463 receiving yards after the catch last season, the third-highest total among all NFL tight ends, and in 2025 led the Chiefs in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.
This milestone underscores Kelce’s enduring impact on the game and his ongoing value to the Chiefs’ aerial attack. His pursuit of all-time records for tight ends continues to captivate fans as his career progresses.
