The words of Taylor Swift, “redwood tree, it ain’t hard to see” — few players have stood taller for the Chiefs Kingdom dynasty than Travis Kelce. Now, as the star tight end approaches the sunset of his career, his greatness feels even more profound.
The 36-year-old playmaker, engaged to global pop icon Taylor Swift, delivered another vintage performance Monday night as the Kansas City Chiefs defeated Washington Commanders 28–7 at Arrowhead Stadium.
Milestone with Latest Touchdown
Kelce caught six passes for a season-high 99 yards, including two critical receptions for 48 yards. His first, a 38-yard catch, set up Kansas City’s go-ahead touchdown. The second, a leaping 10-yarder in the front of the end zone, extended the Chiefs’ lead to 21–7 in the third quarter.
That touchdown marked Kelce’s 100th career touchdown reception (regular season and playoffs combined), making him just the fourth tight end in NFL history to reach the milestone. He joins legends Antonio Gates (118), Tony Gonzalez (115), and Rob Gronkowski (107).
The score was also Kelce’s 83rd regular-season touchdown, tying him with Priest Holmes for the most in Chiefs history. One more will make him the franchise’s all-time leader. He’s firmly in the GOAT tight end conversation.
Kelce: I Just Cherish the Moments
After the game, Kelce reflected on his journey with humility and humor.
“I’m just an old, lucky dog,” Kelce said. “Coming out here, being able to play in front of Chiefs Kingdom at Arrowhead — this place is special, and I love it here. In terms of the historical stuff, I’m still focused on the next game, the next catch, and trying to get better every single day. I think I’ll look back at it later and really appreciate it.”
A Hall of Fame Career
Kelce is a future Hall of Famer, having been named a four-time first-team All-Pro, a three-time second-teamer, and a 10-time Pro Bowler.
He already holds the NFL’s records for postseason receptions (172), postseason 100-yard games (nine), and Super Bowl receptions (35). Entering Monday night, he also led the Chiefs in career receptions (1,035), receiving yards (12,526), and receiving touchdowns (79).
Among tight ends, he holds the records for most 1,000-yard seasons (seven), most 100-catch seasons (three), most 100-yard receiving games (37), and the single-season record for receiving yards (1,416).
Mahomes Gives Kelce His Flowers
Star quarterback Patrick Mahomes was full of praise for Kelce, calling him a model of leadership and loyalty within the Chiefs Kingdom.
“He’s the true Chiefs Chief,” said Mahomes. “He’s the guy that has been here through the whole thing — been here with Coach Reid the entire time. He’s helped set the culture, you know?”
Kelce Set a Culture to Emulate
Mahomes , 30, who was snubbed from last year’s Pro Bowl for the first time since becoming the Chiefs’ full-time starter in 2018, said Kelce helped define what it means to play for Kansas City.
“He’s helped set the culture of what it means to play for Coach Andy Reid and to play in Kansas City. I was able to come in and have that guy to rely on,” Mahomes said. “He’s breaking all the records now, and he’s all about the team, so I want to make sure he gets that recognition — and hopefully, we can get another football for him later in the season after he actually breaks the record for most touchdowns in Chiefs history.”
The Chiefs next face the Buffalo Bills on Sunday at Highmark Stadium.
Main Photo Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images