Patrick Mahomes Gives Travis Kelce a Superlative After Chiefs-Commanders Game

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has high praise for tight end Travis Kelce after Monday’s victory.

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt, right, is congratulated by teammate Travis Kelce (left) after catching a touchdown pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders in Kansas City, Mo. on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025 AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has enjoyed his connection with longtime veteran tight end Travis Kelce, and he knows it won’t last forever.

Kelce made his 83rd career regular-season touchdown on Monday against the Washington Commanders—his 100th including playoffs, speaking to the impact of the 36-year-old star. With that touchdown reception from Mahomes, Kelce tied former running back Priest Holmes for the most touchdowns in Chiefs history.

“He’s the true Chiefs Chief,” Mahomes said after the 28–7 victory over the Commanders. “He is the guy that has been here through the whole thing—been here with Coach Reid the entire time.”

Mahomes continued, “He helped set the culture of what it means to play for Coach Reid and to play in Kansas City, and I was able to come in and then have that guy to rely on.”

Kelce joined the Chiefs as a third-round draft pick out of Cincinnati in 2013—the same year Reid took the helm. Mahomes and Kelce have connected for touchdowns 75 times since the Chiefs made Mahomes the starter in 2018.

In 13 seasons, Kelce has made 10 Pro Bowls, four All-Pro honors, and he has won three Super Bowls. He also made the All-2010s team and could make the All-2020s team—even if he ends his career before this decade is over.

Kelce has 1,041 receptions for 12,625 yards and 80 touchdown receptions for his career in the regular season and 178 catches for 2,078 yards and 20 touchdowns in the playoffs. This season, he has 37 receptions for 474 yards and three touchdowns. His 99 yards on Monday was his best game this season.

“I’m just the old, lucky dog still able to do this thing, man,” Kelce said. “I’m putting on the pads like I’m 15 years old again. I’m loving every single bit of it.”

Kelce also expressed his appreciation for the Chiefs fans. The Chiefs have experienced ups and downs this season, starting with a 0–2 record, a prime-time road loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, and now a 5–3 mark.

“I just cherish these moments, man, coming out here, being able to play in front of Chiefs Kingdom and at Arrowhead,” Kelce said. “This place is special, man, and I love it here. In terms of the historical stuff, I’m still looking at the next game and looking at the next catch and trying to get better every single day.”

The Chiefs will have things to improve on as a team after Monday’s win. Mahomes threw two interceptions before running back Kareem Hunt scored a 1-yard touchdown late in the half.

Commanders backup quarterback Marcus Mariota tied things up with an 11-yard touchdown pass before halftime, but the Chiefs pulled away in the third quarter. Hunt scored on another short touchdown run, and Mahomes connected with Kelce for a 21–7 lead. Mahomes then sealed the game in the fourth quarter on an 18-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Rashee Rice for a 28–7 advantage.

“I thought our guys played, again, a great second half,” Head Coach Andy Reid said after Monday’s game. “First half, we lacked a little bit, but second half, we came around on both sides of the ball — and special teams — did a nice job there.”

Kansas City will take on the Buffalo Bills (5–2) next in a big AFC showdown for Week 9. Washington (3–5) will need to get back on track in a hurry before their matchup with the Seattle Seahawks (5-2) on Sunday.