Travis Kelce Named the Best Tight End in the NFL — and Lands the 9th Spot in the League’s Top 100 Players

Travis Kelce in 2023. PHOTO: PERRY KNOTTS/GETTY

The Kansas City Chiefs athlete, 34, was named the best tight end and the ninth-best player in the league through the NFL 100 List, an annual ranking done by professional football players who vote on the best players among their peers.

“The best tight end in the National Football League,” the Chiefs’ official Instagram account captioned a photo of Kelce, who joined the team in 2013, on Saturday, Aug. 3, celebrating the achievement, which was released a day prior.

“Kelce reached new heights of popularity in 2023, but that kind of recognition among his peers has been a constant in the Top 100,” the NFL’s blurb about the athlete began, subtly referencing his relationship with girlfriend Taylor Swift, which they went public with during the 2023-2024 football season.

This year marks the fourth consecutive time that the New Heights co-host has been named the best tight end in the league, per the NFL’s write-up.

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“A sure-handed model of consistency, Kelce was a force to be reckoned with during Kansas City’s successful run at back-to-back Super Bowls,” the NFL said, adding that the athlete has caught 32 balls for a total of 355 yards and three touchdowns in the past two consecutive Super Bowls (which the Chiefs have won).

The write-up also noted that Kelce is quickly approaching record post-season receiving records with his Super Bowl performances, which resulted in three championships for him.

Travis Kelce in 2024.TAMMY LJUNGBLAD/THE KANSAS CITY STAR/TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE VIA GETTY

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“Kelce, who sits fourth all-time in receiving for TEs, has put together an incredible Hall of Fame career that was once quietly preserved,” the celebratory write-up concluded. “Today, it’s anything but for pop culture’s latest heartthrob.”

Two other Chiefs players made the top ten in the NFL’s Top 100 — defensive end Chis Jones (who came in at number six) and quarterback Patrick Mahomes (who was named the fourth-best player in the NFL).

Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce in 2022.DAVID EULITT/GETTY

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Mahomes, 28, and Kelce received another honor recently when they were both named members of Madden’s 99 Club, an honor given to players who have a 99 Overall (OVR) in the famous video game.

The Chiefs’ Instagram account celebrated the duo’s achievement by posting a video of both men receiving the custom gifts that come with receiving the honor.

“The league’s best duo is in the 99 Club once again! 🎮,” the team captioned the post.