As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare for their sixth consecutive AFC Championship appearance, star tight end Travis Kelce had nothing but praise for his quarterback, Patrick Mahomes.
During a press conference on Friday, Kelce labeled Mahomes as the best quarterback in the NFL and emphasized his immense role in the Chiefs’ success, especially as they set their sights on a second consecutive Super Bowl title.
Mahomes, coming off a commanding 27-24 victory over the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round, threw for 325 yards, completing 17 of 23 passes with two touchdowns. Kelce was quick to highlight Mahomes’ consistency, especially under pressure.
“Pat’s taken on everything like a pro since the minute he stepped into the building,” Kelce said. “The naysayers can say what they want, but he’s playing his best football right now, and you’re seeing why he’s the best quarterback in the league.”
The duo, who have already won two Super Bowls together, continue to etch their names into the record books. In the Buffalo game, Mahomes connected with Kelce for both touchdowns, breaking a seven-game scoring drought for Kelce and reinforcing their dominance in the postseason. The pair now hold the record for the most playoff touchdowns between a quarterback-receiver duo with 16, surpassing the legendary connection of Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski.
Reflecting on his journey with Mahomes, Kelce expressed gratitude for the bond they’ve built over the years. “Man, it’s been a hell of a ride up to this point, and I don’t feel like getting off the roller coaster anytime soon,” Kelce said. “I’ve been fortunate that 15 [Mahomes] landed here, and on top of that, he’s been willing to grow—not just with me but with Coach [Andy] Reid and the entire offense. We’ve worked together to build this thing to where it is today, and hopefully, we just keep climbing.”
As Kansas City gears up to face the top-seeded Baltimore Ravens, Kelce remains laser-focused on the immediate challenge. The Ravens, led by MVP candidate Lamar Jackson, boast a 13-4 record and are fresh off a divisional win against the Houston Texans. Jackson led the team in both passing and rushing yards, making him a formidable opponent for the Chiefs’ defense.
Kelce, however, isn’t dwelling on past accomplishments or the mounting pressure of the playoffs. “I’m not thinking about any of the ones we’ve already won,” he stated. “I’m only thinking about this one on Sunday, and I want it more than I’ve ever wanted one in my life.”
With Mahomes playing at his peak and the Chiefs offense firing on all cylinders, Sunday’s game promises to be a thrilling clash between two of the league’s top quarterbacks. As Kelce and Mahomes continue to build on their historic connection, all eyes will be on whether the Chiefs can secure their third Super Bowl appearance in the last four seasons.
