Travis Kelce proved the doubters wrong on Sunday by not only leading the Kansas City Chiefs to a 17-10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers but also becoming the franchise’s all-time receptions leader. Kelce recorded seven catches for 89 yards, surpassing Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez’s record with his second reception of the game.
After the game, Kelce opted not to speak with reporters in the locker room. Despite a slow start to the season, where he managed just eight catches for 69 yards in the first three games, Chiefs coach Andy Reid remained unconcerned about Kelce’s performance. Reid noted, “I really don’t care what anybody thinks… I watch Trav every day, so I get to see him in how he works.”
Kansas City’s wide receivers supported Kelce by wearing custom T-shirts during pregame warmups. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes attributed Kelce’s earlier struggles to increased attention from opposing defenses but expressed confidence in his ability to make plays when needed. “I know whatever we need, he’s going to make plays. And that’s what he did today,” Mahomes said.
Kelce achieved his record-tying 916th reception on a 38-yard catch during Kansas City’s opening drive, followed by a 5-yard pass in the fourth drive, bringing his total to 922 receptions in his 12 seasons with the team.
Reid praised Kelce for his ability to find openings in zone coverage and handle man-to-man defenses effectively. Taylor Swift, who is Kelce’s girlfriend, was not present at SoFi Stadium to witness his achievement.
With top receiver Rashee Rice sidelined due to a knee injury, Mahomes emphasized the need for Kelce to step up further in the offense. Kelce, who will turn 35 on Saturday, is approaching two additional franchise records, needing just four touchdown receptions to match Gonzalez’s total of 77 and falling seven touchdowns short of Priest Holmes’ overall record of 84.