SPORTS

Travis Kelce Passes Jason Witten for 2nd All-Time TE Receiving Yards

PUBLISHED Sep 15, 2026, 12:01 AM ET

Read, Watch or Listen

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 23

Center 100%

Sources: 23

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce moved into second place on the NFL's all-time career receiving yards list for tight ends during a Monday Night Football game against the Denver Broncos. Kelce caught a 59-yard pass from quarterback Patrick Mahomes in the third quarter at Arrowhead Stadium, bringing his career total to 13,067 receiving yards. That reception allowed Kelce to surpass former Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten, who finished his career with 13,046 receiving yards. Kelce now trails only Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez, who holds the all-time tight end record with 15,127 career receiving yards. Entering the matchup, Kelce needed 45 yards to pass Witten. The play set up a 28-yard field goal by kicker Harrison Butker as the Chiefs built a 24-10 lead en route to a 31-10 victory. Kelce finished the game with three receptions for 71 yards in his historic career night.

By Yusra M. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On April 24, 2013 Kansas City Chiefs selected tight end Travis Kelce in NFL draft.
On September 7, 2014 Travis Kelce recorded his first regular-season NFL reception against Tennessee Titans.
On October 25, 2020 Travis Kelce reached 7,000 career receiving yards against Denver Broncos.
On November 6, 2022 Travis Kelce scored four touchdown receptions in single game against Las Vegas Raiders.
On October 12, 2023 Travis Kelce passed Tony Gonzalez for most receptions in Chiefs franchise history.
On December 25, 2024 Travis Kelce became third tight end in NFL history with 1,000 receptions.
On February 9, 2025 Kansas City Chiefs played in Super Bowl LIX against Philadelphia Eagles.
On March 12, 2026 Travis Kelce confirmed return for the 2026 NFL regular season.
On September 15, 2026 Travis Kelce passed Jason Witten with 59-yard reception against Denver Broncos.
On September 15, 2026 Travis Kelce reached 13,067 career receiving yards during Monday Night Football.
In coming weeks, Travis Kelce will continue pursuit of Tony Gonzalez's all-time tight end receiving record.
In coming months, Travis Kelce aims to help Kansas City Chiefs contend for another Super Bowl title.
In coming years, Travis Kelce is expected to enter Pro Hall of Fame as first-ballot selection.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Kansas City Chiefs solidify AFC West standing with dominant opening victory.
Possible long-term US impact: Travis Kelce cements status as all-time great tight end in NFL history.
Most affected groups: Kansas City Chiefs fans, fantasy football managers, and NFL sports media.
Reader Prioritization: Monitor official NFL injury reports and weekly target shares for Chiefs receivers.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 23
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 23

Explain Framing

Left: Insufficient evidence available as sports coverage lacks explicit political framing. Center: Focuses strictly on statistical achievement and historical ranking milestones without political angle. Right: Insufficient evidence available as sports coverage lacks explicit political framing.