Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce achieved a milestone during a commanding 28-7 victory against the Washington Commanders on October 29, 2023. Kelce’s 10-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter marked his 83rd career touchdown, tying him with former running back Priest Holmes for the most touchdowns in franchise history. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes acknowledged the significance of the moment by personally delivering the game ball to a team staff member for Kelce to keep as a memento.
Reflecting on the achievement, Kelce expressed his appreciation for playing at Arrowhead Stadium, stating, “I just cherish these moments, man, being able to play at Arrowhead. This place is special, man, and I love it here.” He emphasized his focus on continuous improvement, saying, “In terms of the historical stuff, I’m still looking at the next game and the next catch and trying to get better.”
The victory over the Commanders marked the Chiefs’ fifth win in their last six games, all secured by significant margins. Kelce had an impressive outing, leading the team with six receptions for 99 yards, showcasing his pivotal role in the team’s success.
Kelce’s Impact on the Game
Mahomes praised Kelce’s contributions, referring to him as “the true Chiefs’ Chief.” He noted Kelce’s long-standing presence with the team and his influence in establishing the culture under head coach Andy Reid. “He’s been here through the whole thing… He’s breaking all the records now,” Mahomes said, highlighting the tight end’s team-first mentality.
The game began with a challenging first half for the Chiefs, where they managed to tie the score at 7-7, partly due to two turnovers. Kelce acknowledged the team’s struggles, particularly his own drop that led to an interception. “When we decided in the second half to just rally together… we ended up putting some points on the board,” he noted.
Kelce demonstrated his ability to exploit zone coverage, a skill that has defined his career. According to Next Gen Stats, all of his production came against the Commanders’ zone defense. Kelce’s touchdown was a result of his exceptional route running, creating separation from free safety Darnell Savage.
Dynamic Plays and Historical Milestones
One of the standout moments in the game occurred when Kelce was not initially a primary passing option. Early in the third quarter, he successfully blocked before leaking out for a 38-yard gain, showcasing his versatility and football IQ. Mahomes commented on the play, saying, “Even though we haven’t been hitting some of these explosive plays, the defenses are respecting it.”
With this touchdown, Kelce and Mahomes became only the third quarterback-tight end duo in NFL history to record 75 touchdowns together, joining the ranks of Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski, and Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates. Kelce humbly remarked, “I’m just the old, lucky dog still able to do this thing, man.”
As the Chiefs continue their season, Kelce’s performance serves as a reminder of his importance to the team and the legacy he is building in Kansas City. The combination of his talent and leadership promises to be instrumental as the Chiefs aim for further successes in the weeks ahead.
