Travis Kelce Hit With Reality Check From NFL Players After Taylor Swift News

Travis Kelce Hit With Reality Check From NFL Players After Taylor Swift News originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is entering his 13th year in the NFL, still chasing that fourth Super Bowl ring after last season's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Ahead of the Chiefs' second preseason game, Kelce revealed some news that many had been waiting for, bringing his girlfriend, singer Taylor Swift, onto his "New Heights" podcast.

Not only did Swift join the show, but she also announced her 12th studio album called "The Life of a Showgirl," which is expected to be released later this month. But, despite the good news for Swift, Kelce received an unfortunate update himself.

The NFL has been releasing its Top 100 Players of 2025 list over the past few weeks, which is voted on by players. On Tuesday, the league announced that Kelce has been named the 37th-best player in the NFL, as voted by his peers.

Kelce took a big hit in the rankings, falling from No. 9 last season to No. 37, a 28-spot drop.

Still, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle was one of the spokespersons for Kelce's new ranking and had nothing but positive things to say.

"Watching Travis talk about football is one of the most unique experiences ever," Kittle said. "It doesn't matter what coverage you're in, he just finds a way to get open... And like the relationship and the chemistry that him and (Patrick) Mahomes have, I don't think there's anything else like it in the NFL."

Even New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston gave his two cents on Kelce and Mahomes.

"Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce gotta be like (Michael) Jordan and Scottie (Pippen)," Winston added. "I don't know another combination like that. Like literally, I don't think there's ever been a combination as good as those."

NFL Top 100 Players of 2025:@Chiefs TE Travis Kelce joins the list at No. 37! @NFLFilmspic.twitter.com/mPSOkQkMyl

— NFL (@NFL) August 12, 2025

In the 2024 season, Kelce had one of the worst statistical outputs of his career, despite making a 10th straight Pro Bowl. He tallied 97 catches for 823 yards and three touchdowns, the last two categories the lowest since his rookie season. That could explain the 35-year-old's drop.

Related: Travis Kelce’s $10,000 Outfit For Chiefs-Cardinals Game Draws Attention

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 12, 2025, where it first appeared.