Steelers Now
INDIANAPOLIS — The flood of news keeps coming from the first day of the 2025 NFL Combine, as most of the league’s general managers and head coaches spoke with their respective press corps.
Let’s dive into some of the biggest news nuggets from the first day of the 2025 NFL Combine in Indy:
Against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day, Travis Kelce set the record for most career touchdown receptions by a Kansas City Chiefs player. It appears the accomplished tight end, and Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ favorite target, will return next season to add to that total.
“Chiefs GM Brent Veach said at the Combine that TE Travis Kelce is ‘fired up’ about entering the final year of his contract and playing,” NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport wrote Tuesday on X. “‘We left it as is, he’d be back and we’re excited to get him back and get him going.’ Significant news for KC, as Kelce is set to return.”
Kelce said on the “New Heights” podcast a few days after Super Bowl LIX that he was considering retiring. Since 2018, Kelce has played in 21 postseason games, the equivalent of more than a full extra schedule of contests.
“That process can be grueling,” Kelce said. “It can weigh on you. It can make you better and it could drive you crazy at the same time. Right now, it’s one of those things where it was kind of driving me crazy this year, and I think that it happens as you tail off toward the back nine of your career, as (Scott Van Pelt) would say. As you see yourself or not feel that you have the success that you once used to have.
“Man, it’s a tough pill to swallow. And then, on top of that, to not be there in the biggest moments, knowing your team’s counting on you. … It’s just a tough reality.”
Kelce has played six games against the Steelers, totaling 357 yards and four touchdowns on 33 receptions. His best day against Pittsburgh came in 2018 when he went for 109 yards and two scores on eight grabs.
— Brendan Howe
Former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers Super Bowl champion tight end Rob Gronkowski is eyeing a return to the NFL, according to a report from Cecil Lammey of DenverSports.com, and it could be with the Denver Broncos.
Gronkowski has been working as an analyst at FOX, where he worked alongside current Broncos head coach Sean Payton. Both of his brothers previously played for the Broncos, as well.
The 35-year-old is the most decorated tight end in NFL history, the winner of four Super Bowls and a five-time All-Pro. He was the first tight end to lead the NFL in touchdowns and still holds several league records.
Gronkowski last played in the 2021 season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Broncos have widely been...
