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Travis Kelce makes NFL history as fastest tight end to 13,000 yards

Jan 4, 2026, 5:01 AM30
(Update: Jan 4, 2026, 8:01 PM)
American football player, tight end
American football player (born 1973)

Travis Kelce makes NFL history as fastest tight end to 13,000 yards

  • Travis Kelce achieved a historic milestone by becoming the fastest tight end to reach 13,000 career receiving yards.
  • The Kansas City Chiefs' season ended on January 4, 2026, without a playoff appearance.
  • Kelce's future in the NFL remains uncertain as he considers retirement following his record-breaking performance.
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Story

In the United States, on January 4, 2026, the Kansas City Chiefs played their final game of the NFL season against the Las Vegas Raiders. This game was particularly significant as it could potentially mark the end of veteran tight end Travis Kelce's illustrious career, which has spanned 13 years. During this game, Kelce made history by catching a pass that allowed him to surpass 13,000 career receiving yards, making him the fastest tight end to achieve this milestone in NFL history. The pass was caught from Shane Buechele, who was the fourth quarterback to play for the Chiefs this season. This season has been a disappointing one for the Chiefs, ending without a playoff appearance for the first time since Patrick Mahomes became the starting quarterback. The defeat left a sour taste in the mouth of Kelce, who had expressed uncertainty about his future in the NFL. In an interview prior to the game, Kelce was quoted saying that he was still searching for answers regarding his potential retirement. The Chiefs celebrated Kelce’s achievements on social media, honoring his contributions to the team and expressing gratitude for his years of service. As Kelce contemplated his future, the questions surrounding whether he would retire or play another season with the Chiefs lingered heavily in the air. Kelce himself noted in media interactions that if he decided to return, it would be to fulfill his passion for the game rather than simply for the sake of playing. With his contract status soon to change, he will become a free agent if he chooses to continue playing. Additionally, the Chiefs faced several offseason changes ahead, with their postseason absence expected to impact the team dynamics moving forward. Travis Kelce, a future Hall of Famer, holds records that place him among the greatest tight ends in the history of the league. His incredible career, marked by chemistry with Mahomes and several Super Bowl appearances, sets a high bar for his potential successors in Kansas City. The Chiefs’ management and fanbase will have a lot of decisions to make in the coming months that will shape the team's future, depending heavily on Kelce's choice regarding retirement.

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