Between Week 15 and Christmas, the Kansas City Chiefs played three games in 11 days, which was their most difficult stretch of the season. To make matters worse, during Kansas City’s 21-7 victory over the Cleveland Browns, quarterback Patrick Mahomes sustained a severe ankle sprain.
On the other hand, the Chiefs defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 29-10 on December 25 to formally secure the No. 1 spot in the AFC after defeating the Houston Texans in Week 16.
Travis Kelce, the tight end for the Chiefs, had an incredible game against the Steelers, hauling in eight passes for 84 yards and a touchdown.
Kelce became only the third tight in NFL history to earn 1,000 career receptions, and the first player in the team’s history to accomplish it.
The 35-year-old All-Pro also surpassed the franchise’s all-time touchdown mark of 77 set by Chiefs great Tony Gonzalez. The Chiefs messaged the seasoned tight end on social media on December 27.
When the Chiefs wrote, “Best in the business,”
Best in the business. pic.twitter.com/dlZ4OCJfzh
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 27, 2024
Even though Kelce hasn’t produced as much as he has in previous seasons, he still has 97 receptions for 823 yards and three touchdowns, and the future Hall of Famer isn’t worried about it.
According to Kelce, “I’m happy with my role right now,” according to reporters. “I’m out here helping this team win football games. We’ve got a lot of good tight ends, we’ve got a lot of wide receivers that are getting open that are doing great things with the football.
Pat’s playing at his best going into the playoffs. It’s a little bit different than others, but it’s still a blast coming in every single day.
“The chemistry is at an all-time high right now, and I’m excited that we found a way to get the No. 1 seed and we’re going into the playoffs playing our best football.”
Taylor Swift, Kelce’s girlfriend, liked multiple Instagram posts honoring his accomplishment even though she was unable to attend the Chiefs vs. Steelers game in person. Swift has only gone to games at Arrowhead Stadium so far this season.
The pop sensation is therefore very unlikely to be at Kansas City’s season-ending game versus the Denver Broncos at Mile High Stadium. However, it’s also very doubtful that Kelce or any of the team’s starters will play in Week 18 given the first-round bye and home field advantage.
Amy Cooper
Dede@10
Dream
