Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs came within one game of winning a third straight Super Bowl last season, a feat that has never been accomplished before in NFL history.
They were stopped in their tracks by a dominant Philadelphia Eagles team, but it was another season to be proud of for the AFC champions - another deep playoff run led by stalwarts like Kelce and Patrick Mahomes.
Kelce was clearly not at his best in the Super Bowl, coming away with only four catches for 39 yards and a minimal impact on the game. His performance was so far below his standard that some wondered if he would retire after the game.
Kelce is back for at least one more year, and one analyst believes his performance in the Super Bowl is indicative of the player he's become.
CBS Sports' Pete Prisco ranked Kelce as the No. 96 player in the NFL, with second-year players like Ladd McConkey and Bucky Irving ahead of him after just one season of production.
"Age started to look like it was impacting Kelce's play last season as he didn't look to be the same player," Prisco said of the veteran tight end, who will turn 36 during the 2025 NFL season.
"There were moments, but the consistency wasn't there. He had 97 catches, but he averaged just 8.5 per catch, the lowest of his career, which is not a good sign for a 35-year-old."
Kelce was No. 18 in Prisco's list of the top 100 NFL players last season, as the analyst predicts a steep decline for the three-time Super Bowl champion. Kelce has been Mahomes' No. 1 target for several years, and the pair have combined to become one of the most formidable duos in NFL history.
Mahomes will turn 30 this season, but Prisco doesn't see a similar decline for the quarterback.
"His numbers have not been as gaudy the past few seasons, but he is still the best in the league," Prisco said of Mahomes, who he ranked No. 1 for the second consecutive year.
"With an improved offensive line, and better receivers, his numbers will go up this year."
We'll see if a rising tide lifts all boats - including for Mahomes' fellow future Hall of Fame teammate in Kelce.
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This story was originally published June 17, 2025 at 5:12 PM.