Dec 25, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) looks at his Netflix Christmas GameDay cake after the Chiefs defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

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Triple Feat achieved as Travis Kelce goes down in Chiefs Franchise history books

Kelce sets Chiefs' touchdown record

On Christmas Day, Travis Kelce did what Travis Kelce does best—make history. With a 12-yard touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kelce earned his 77th career touchdown reception, officially passing Tony Gonzalez for the most receiving touchdowns in Kansas City Chiefs history. It was Kelce cementing himself as the guy in the Chiefs’ legacy.

LEGEND: #Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has the most receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns in franchise history.

🐐

The greatest Chief of all-time. pic.twitter.com/zlQkE3WZSX
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) December 26, 2024

The touchdown itself was classic Mahomes-to-Kelce magic. Mahomes scrambled right, dodged defenders like it was a backyard game, and lofted the ball to an unmarked Kelce in the end zone. The crowd erupted; Kelce grabbed the ball and threw it down in Gonzalez’s signature dunk over the goalpost. Sure, it cost the team a penalty, but as far as tributes go, this one felt worth it.

Kelce’s 1,000th catch and what it means

That wasn’t even Kelce’s only milestone in the game. With a catch earlier in the fourth quarter, he became just the third tight end in NFL history to hit 1,000 receptions, joining Gonzalez and Jason Witten. Let that sink in for a moment: only three tight ends in the entire history of the league have managed this.

Even crazier? Kelce’s done it in 175 games. For comparison, Gonzalez—arguably the GOAT tight end—needed 190 games with the Chiefs to hit the same milestone. And Kelce isn’t done.

Travis Kelce has the most receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns in franchise history. pic.twitter.com/fNaifRaEbw
— StatMuse Football (@statmusefb) December 25, 2024

Sure, there’s been chatter about whether the 35-year-old is slowing down. Newsflash: it doesn’t matter. Kelce remains Mahomes’ go-to guy, and that connection alone is why the Chiefs are 15-1 and cruising into the playoffs as favorites.

Does Kelce still have more to prove? Not really.

Kelce’s name already belongs in the Hall of Fame. He’s racked up over 12,000 receiving yards, eight Pro Bowl appearances, and two Super Bowl rings (and counting). This season, he’s reminded everyone why he’s the best pass-catching tight end the league has ever seen.

TRAVIS KELCE OFFICIALLY BREAKS THE MOST RECEIVING TDs RECORD FOR KANSAS CITY CHIEFS!!!!!! Congrats Trav! 🐐 pic.twitter.com/mo4ls4VnKZ
— Sara🦋 (@soitgoessara_) December 25, 2024

As Mahomes said after the game, “He’s done so much for this organization—on and off the field.” And that’s the legacy Kelce is building: not just stats, but moments. Big, game-changing, era-defining moments.

So, when Kelce finally hangs it up—whether that’s one Super Bowl from now or three—it’s safe to say he’ll leave no debate about who the greatest Chief truly is.

Image: © Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

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Natasha Bose

I write about sports because, well, it brings in the big bucks! I’m not some lifelong analyst or stats guru, truth being told, you’ve probably never heard of me!—I just know how to research, write, and make things sound good. That’s the job!
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