Travis Kelce is so good at the tight end position that he doesn’t even recognize who’s defending him anymore. Or he just said the wrong name. Both are plausible, considering he was more than likely thinking about the major record he’d just broken.
Kelce became the first tight end in NFL history with five 1,000-yard seasons. He set the mark during the Chiefs’ Sunday Night Football 22-16 win over the Broncos.
But that’s not who Kelce tipped his cap to in the post-game interview.
“We’ve just got to finish strong. Hats off to the Raiders,” Kelce said, according to Yahoo Sports. “They’ve done an unbelievable job the past two games of presenting a challenge on third down and in the red zone. It is what it is. We’ve got to keep fighting … “
Kelce started the season tied with Tony Gonzalez, Jason Witten, and Rob Gronkowski with four 1,000-yard seasons in a career. His record-breaking reception came in the second quarter on a 19-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes. He would go on to finish the game with 8 grabs for 136 yards and a touchdown, ESPN said.
“It’s something cool to hang your hat on when the career is over, I would assume,” Kelce told ESPN. “Right now, I’m just focused on the task at hand. Gonna enjoy this one for a night with the family. Then, from there, just focus on Miami.”
Travis Kelce Poised to Expand on That Record
At 31, Kelce still has plenty of time to expand on his new record. Especially considering the vital role he plays in one of the league’s most dynamic offenses.
“He and [Mahomes] have a great relationship, and that’s important to get these kinds of things done,” Chiefs Coach Andy Reid said after the game. “Every QB needs a go-to guy, and ours is fortunate to have a couple, but [No.] 87 is a big one for him.”
The 11-1 Chiefs clinched a playoff spot with the win Sunday.
They take on the Dolphins this coming Sunday.
