Copyright yardbarker
Under the bright lights of Arrowhead Stadium, Travis Kelce reminded everyone why he remains the heartbeat of the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense. In a 28–7 victory over the Washington Commanders, Kelce hauled in his 83rd career touchdown, tying former running back Priest Holmes for the most total touchdowns in franchise history. The score came on a 10-yard grab late in the third quarter, sealing a performance that felt as much about legacy as it did about dominance.Quarterback Patrick Mahomes made sure the moment wouldn’t be forgotten. After throwing the touchdown, he retrieved the ball himself, handing it to a staffer so Kelce could keep it as a memento. “He’s the true Chiefs’ Chief,” Mahomes said. “He’s been here through it all, set the culture, and shown what it means to play for Kansas City.” Vintage Kelce: Mistakes, Magic, and Milestones Kelce’s night wasn’t flawless—his first-quarter deflection led to an interception—but it was quintessentially him: resilient, explosive, and reliable. He finished with six receptions for 99 yards, his best outing of the season. As head coach Andy Reid put it, “He was mad at himself, but he works through those things. There’s nothing like getting another catch.”That bounce-back mentality has defined Kelce’s career. Following the early miscue, he torched Washington’s zone defense, repeatedly finding soft spots in coverage. His 38-yard play-action reception in the third quarter showed his football IQ at its peak—selling a block before leaking out wide open for Mahomes’ biggest completion of the game. A Connection Among the Greatest Mahomes and Kelce’s chemistry continues to climb historic ranks. Their connection has now produced 75 touchdowns, including postseason games—third-most among quarterback-tight end duos in NFL history, trailing only Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski (105) and Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates (90).“He’s breaking all the records,” Mahomes said. “But what makes him special is he’s still about the next game, the next catch, the next challenge.” Defying Age and Expectation Now 36 and in the final year of his contract, Kelce entered the season unsure whether he’d return. Yet the veteran arrived in camp revitalized, describing a “fire in my chest” that kept him going. Monday night’s performance validated that decision. After struggling late last season and facing questions about decline, Kelce looked agile and focused—perhaps even “in the best shape he’s been in for years,” as teammates observed.Receiver Rashee Rice echoed the sentiment: “I constantly see a spark out of Trav. It’s never really gone.” A Legacy Still in Motion With each reception, Kelce’s Hall of Fame résumé grows deeper. His 83rd touchdown ties him with Holmes for the most in Chiefs history, but the milestone only underscored what has made him an icon—his consistency, connection with Mahomes, and love for the game.“I’m just the old, lucky dog still able to do this thing,” Kelce said postgame. “I’m putting on the pads like I’m 15 years old again. I’m loving every single bit of it.”
