Kelce Breaks Chiefs TD Record: Mahomes & More

Kansas City is buzzing after Travis Kelce cemented his legacy in red and gold, breaking the Chiefs’ all-time touchdown record. Star quarterback Patrick Mahomes was quick to laud his teammate’s dedication and leadership, even as the team faced a tough 22-19 loss to the Denver Broncos on November 16.

Mahomes Celebrates a Champion

During the game against the Denver Broncos, Travis Kelce secured his 84th career touchdown, surpassing former running back Priest Holmes to become the Kansas City Chiefs’ all-time leader in touchdowns. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who delivered the snap for the milestone play, didn’t hesitate to praise Kelce after the game. “He deserves it, the work he puts in every day,” Mahomes told reporters. “He’s a leader, man. It just speaks to the person that he is that he’s able to go out there and break that record. That was a great play in a big moment in the game.”

A Humble Reaction Amidst Loss

Despite the historic achievement, Kelce himself was less enthusiastic about post-game interviews, reflecting the team’s disappointment. “If you were going to ask me about the [franchise] record,” he stated, “I could care less about that right now,” highlighting his focus on team victory over personal accolades. This sentiment underscores the competitive spirit that endears him to Chiefs Kingdom.

Beyond the Gridiron: Life, Love, and Legacy

While Kelce’s record-breaking night in Denver saw his renowned partner, Taylor Swift’s fiancé, noticeably absent, the couple has been making headlines off the field. Swift’s last appearance at a Chiefs game was on October 27, when Kelce paid homage to her with a “Fate of Ophelia” dance during his 100th career touchdown celebration. Their recent bye week saw them enjoying various date nights in New York City, a well-deserved break for the tight end.

From Cleveland Heights to Chiefs Kingdom

Travis Kelce’s journey to NFL stardom is as unique as his on-field persona. Growing up in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, he remains deeply connected to his roots, often shouting out his hometown during player introductions. This strong bond stems from challenging times at the University of Cincinnati, where he faced a scholarship revocation after failing a marijuana test and even worked as a telemarketer. His path to becoming a tight end was a condition of his reinstatement to the team, a move that clearly paid off for the Chiefs.

A Brother’s Tribute: The Meaning Behind No. 87

The iconic No. 87 jersey Kelce wears is a personal tribute to his older brother, Jason Kelce, who was born in 1987. This familial bond extends to their highly popular “New Heights” podcast, where they connect with fans, affectionately known as “92 percenters” – a nod to Jason’s comment about the effectiveness of a quarterback sneak.

Investing in Community and Self

Kelce’s impact extends far beyond football. His “87 & Running” foundation is a significant benefactor to Operation Breakthrough in Kansas City, supporting their Smart Lab and Ignition Lab, where young scholars convert old cars into electric vehicles. Off the field, Kelce maintains peak performance with a dedicated team of three personal trainers and a personal chef, Kumar Ferguson, a childhood friend from Cleveland Heights.

Style, Sound, and Sweet Treats

A true connoisseur, Travis’s passions range from fashion—boasting a converted closet with over 300 pairs of sneakers—to investments, co-owning Ohio-brewed Garage Beer with Jason. His personal quirks include Chris Farley’s “For the love of God!” as a ringtone and a fondness for Taylor Swift’s homemade Pop-Tarts and cinnamon rolls. At Arrowhead, his inspiration led the Chiefs to adopt the Beastie Boys’ “Fight for Your Right to Party!” as their post-touchdown anthem.

A Career of Milestones and Resilience

At 35, in his 12th NFL season, Kelce is open about the physical toll of the game, having endured 10 career surgeries since a rookie-year microfracture. Yet, his dedication endures. In 2024, he surpassed Chiefs legend Tony Gonzalez to become the franchise’s all-time leader in receptions, a monumental achievement that he openly attributes to Gonzalez’s mentorship. His recent $34.25 million two-year contract also made him the highest-paid tight end in the NFL, a recognition of his unparalleled value to the team.

Travis Kelce: Key Chiefs Records

Frequently Asked Questions About Travis Kelce

• What significant record did Travis Kelce recently break?
  He became the Kansas City Chiefs’ all-time leader in touchdowns, surpassing Priest Holmes.
• How did Patrick Mahomes react to Kelce’s achievement?
  Mahomes expressed immense pride, highlighting Kelce’s dedication, leadership, and ability to make big plays.
• Why was Kelce reluctant to discuss his record after the game?
  Despite the personal milestone, the team’s 22-19 loss overshadowed his achievement, and he prioritized the team’s performance.
• What’s the story behind Travis Kelce’s jersey number, 87?
  It’s a tribute to his older brother, Jason Kelce, who was born in 1987.
• What is the “92 percenters” in relation to Travis Kelce?
  It’s the affectionate name for the fanbase of his “New Heights” podcast with his brother Jason, stemming from Jason’s comment about a successful football play.

Travis Kelce continues to be a cornerstone of the Kansas City Chiefs, leaving an indelible mark on the field, in the community, and in the hearts of fans. His journey reminds us that dedication, resilience, and a touch of hometown pride can lead to extraordinary achievements.

Kelce breaks Chiefs touchdown record Mahomes praises