As the NFL Combine takes place in Indianapolis, one name to watch is tight end John Michael Gyllenborg, whose athleticism got him an invite - and he's a big fan of Travis Kelce
17:14 ET, 27 Feb 2026
Travis Kelce is awaiting a new deal with the Chiefs
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Travis Kelce is awaiting a new deal with the Chiefs(Image: Getty Images)
Travis Kelce is nearing retirement — but before he hangs up his cleats, the Kansas City Chiefs star needs to cross paths with John Michael Gyllenborg.
Kelce appears increasingly likely to return for a 14th NFL season, which would provide a boost for the Chiefs. The AFC West franchise is coming off a torrid 2025 season, during which it missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
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Meanwhile, Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL, leaving his hopes of playing the whole 2026 campaign in doubt. Kelce’s agent will speak to the Chiefs moving forward, but one budding tight end hopes to talk to the 36-year-old himself.
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Gyllenborg played only four games of organized football as a senior in high school, but secured a place at Wyoming. He put up somewhat modest numbers in college, hauling in 80 receptions for 1,023 yards and seven touchdowns.
Thanks to his athleticism, though, he’s a must-see prospect at the Combine for scouts. His athletic ability is ludicrous; Gyllenborg didn’t play tackle football until he was a senior at Rockhurst High School in Kansas City in 2020, when he was looking to have some fun aside from his pursuit of a career in baseball or basketball.
Having carved his way into a tight end, Gyllenborg compared his game more to Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson. But he wanted to discuss Kelce, given he was born and raised in the Kansas City area and considers the Chiefs star a living legend.
“I think every kid growing up in my generation, earlier and today, all look up to Travis,” Gyllenborg told reporters in Indianapolis. “What he’s done on the football field, and how he’s carried himself off the football field, has just been a great example.
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John Michael Gyllenborg models himself on Travis Kelce
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John Michael Gyllenborg models himself on Travis Kelce(Image: Getty Images)
“It would be amazing to meet him someday, pick his brain, and get to know how he operates on the football field. He’s one of the greatest ever to do it - I don’t think anyone will deny that. So to have him kind of in the home city has been pretty cool.”
Gyllenborg, who met with all 32 teams at the Senior Bowl and conducted numerous Combine interviews, would love to land on the Chiefs and potentially become Kelce’s heir apparent. Even appearing in just nine games with six starts, Gyllenborg led the Cowboys in receiving yards per game (47.2) and tied for the team lead with three touchdown receptions.
But it should be noted that Kelce isn’t done yet. After averaging a career-low 8.5 yards per reception in 2024, Kelce finished 2025 with 11.2 yards per reception - his best mark in that category since 2022.
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In 2025, Kelce recorded 76 catches for 851 yards and five touchdowns across 17 games and earned his 11th consecutive Pro Bowl nod. He is looking for a new deal with the Chiefs ahead of free agency, which would extend his stay in Kansas City for the entirety of his 13-year career.