In an NFL season defined by unpredictable upsets and a shifting landscape, Travis Kelce remains the league’s most consistent north star. The Pro Bowl fan voting results, released on December 22, 2025, were not just a win—they were a total eclipse. Kelce didn’t just lead the tight end category; he finished No. 1 across the entire NFL, amassing a staggering 420,383 votes.
To put that into perspective, he outpaced the runner-up, Buffalo Bills superstar and reigning MVP Josh Allen, by over 150,000 votes. While some critics argue this is the “Swiftie Effect” in full force, the tape tells a different story. Even in a “down year” for the Chiefs’ offense, Kelce leads his team in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. This isn’t just popularity; it’s the respect of a fan base that knows they are watching the final acts of a living legend.
11 Career Selections: Entering the Rarefied Air
With this 11th Pro Bowl nod, Kelce has officially surpassed the great Jason Witten to move into second place all-time for Pro Bowl selections by a tight end. He now trails only the legendary Tony Gonzalez, who holds the record with 14.

But Kelce’s dominance is measured in more than just invitations to the all-star game:
- The Iron Man: He has earned a Pro Bowl selection every single year since 2015.
- The Post-Season King: Just this year, he surpassed Jerry Rice for the most catches in Super Bowl history.
- The Active Leader: He is currently tied with 49ers legend Trent Williams for the most Pro Bowl selections among all active NFL players.
The Standard of Excellence
What makes this moment so “persuasive” is the context of 2025. This has been a year of immense emotional weight for Kelce. Between the Chiefs being eliminated from the playoff race for the first time in a decade and the persistent whispers of retirement, this Pro Bowl selection feels like a lifetime achievement award delivered in real-time.
When Kelce walked off the field at Arrowhead on Christmas Night, the crowd wasn’t just cheering for a win; they were cheering for the man who became the heart of Kansas City. By leading the league in votes, the fans have sent a clear message to the Hall of Fame committee: The gold jacket is already waiting.

IS THIS THE FINAL BOW?
While the Pro Bowl celebration is in full swing, the “missing detail” everyone is whispering about is Kelce’s looming retirement decision. With Hollywood calling and a 2026 wedding on the horizon, next week’s season finale in Las Vegas could be the last time we see #87 in a Chiefs uniform.
Will he come back for “one more” as Chris Jones requested, or is he going out on top of the voting charts? We’ve gathered the latest insider quotes on his post-season plans.