Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce achieved a significant milestone during the team’s commanding 28-7 victory over the Washington Commanders on October 29, 2023. Late in the third quarter, Kelce caught a 10-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Patrick Mahomes, marking his 83rd career touchdown and tying the franchise record held by former running back Priest Holmes. This achievement solidifies Kelce’s position as a key player in the Chiefs’ history.
After the touchdown, Mahomes recognized the significance of the moment. He promptly handed the game ball to a team staffer on the sideline for Kelce to keep as a memento. “I just cherish these moments, man, being able to play at Arrowhead,” Kelce said, reflecting on his love for the team and the stadium. He remains focused on future games and improving his performance, stating, “In terms of the historical stuff, I’m still looking at the next game and the next catch.”
This victory marked the Chiefs’ fifth win in their last six games, each by a margin of double digits. Kelce had an impressive performance, leading the team with six receptions for 99 yards on eight targets. Mahomes praised Kelce’s contributions, saying, “He’s just the true Chiefs’ Chief… He’s breaking all the records now.” He emphasized the importance of Kelce’s presence in the team’s culture under head coach Andy Reid.
Despite a challenging first half where the Chiefs struggled with two turnovers, they managed to tie the game 7-7 at halftime. Kelce acknowledged the need for the team to elevate their energy, saying, “When we decided in the second half to just rally together and match [the Commanders’] energy… we ended up putting some points on the board.”
Kelce’s performance showcased his ability to exploit zone coverage, a skill that has defined his career. According to Next Gen Stats, all of Kelce’s production came against the Commanders’ zone defense. His ability to create separation was evident, particularly in the lead-up to his touchdown, where he executed an out route before pivoting to gain the necessary space.
Receiver Rashee Rice commended Kelce’s leadership, noting the impact of their discussion at halftime. “He didn’t have to say too much, but just for him to say I need to get going, it still meant a lot,” Rice remarked.
A standout moment occurred early in the third quarter when Kelce, initially blocking on a play-action snap, broke free for a 38-yard gain, showcasing his versatility. Mahomes commented on the respect defenses have for their speed, stating, “Even though we haven’t been hitting some of these explosive plays, the defenses are respecting it.”
With this touchdown, Mahomes and Kelce 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 referred to himself as “the old, lucky dog still able to do this thing,” expressing his enjoyment for the game.
As the Chiefs prepare for their upcoming matches, Kelce’s historic touchdown adds another layer to his legacy within the franchise. His contributions continue to be instrumental in shaping the team’s success, and fans can expect more exciting performances from the star tight end as the season progresses.
