Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce wasn't sure after Super Bowl LIX last February whether he would retire or return for a 13th NFL season.
Ultimately, he decided not to go out with a loss and returned to Kansas City, currently in the final year of his contract.
While his production may not be quite what it once was, Kelce remains one of the most reliable and elite tight ends in the league at age 35 - and he proved it again in Sunday's pivotal matchup against the Denver Broncos, who lead the AFC West.
With the Chiefs trailing 16-13, Patrick Mahomes found Kelce down the seam for a go-ahead 21-yard touchdown with roughly 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter. That score was historic, as Kelce officially became the all-time leader in touchdown receptions in Chiefs franchise history, surpassing the legendary Priest Holmes with 84 total touchdowns.
Kansas City celebrated the milestone on social media, posting: "The best TE ever just keeps getting better. Congrats, Travis Kelce on securing the most touchdowns in franchise history."
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Chiefs fans had some excited reactions to the historic milestone.
“Greatest TE in NFL history,” a fan said.
Someone else added: “Killatrav having a great night and doesn't even know it.”
Another person wrote: “Priest Holmes must be proud!”
“legend status: certified,” one more fan commented.
Entering Sunday, Kelce had recorded 41 receptions for 540 yards and three touchdowns on the season. But against the Broncos, he delivered his best performance of the year, finishing with nine receptions for 91 yards and a touchdown, leading the Chiefs in both catches and receiving yards.
Despite Kelce's strong performance, the Chiefs still fell 22-19 to the Broncos after kicker Will Lutz drilled a game-winning field goal as time expired. Kelce led the team in receptions and receiving yards, but the loss dropped Kansas City to 5-5, while the Broncos improved to 9-2.
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