There has been much discussion about where Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce ranks all-time at the position, and adding a third Super Bowl trophy could help cement his case. At the Chiefs’ media availability on Wednesday morning, Andy Reid was asked where Kelce ranks among the greatest tight ends in NFL history.
Andy Reid on Travis Kelce Being the Best Tight End in NFL History
Meeting with select media members Wednesday morning in Las Vegas, Nevada, Reid was asked about where his standout tight end sits among the greats.
“Travis’ numbers probably stand up for themselves. He has an opportunity to go down as one of the best, if not the best tight end to play.”
That, safe to say, is not on Reid’s mind right now, and it’s most likely not on Kelce’s mind, either.
A third-round draftee from the University of Cincinnati, Kelce hadn’t been accustomed to a style of winning in Kansas City during the first few years.
That all changed when a new sheriff arrived in town: QB Patrick Mahomes.
When Mahomes took over for Alex Smith, Kelce developed a bond with his quarterback that, to this day, remains very, very tight.
Is Kelce the Best Tight End of All-Time?
The general consensus among NFL fans is that Kelce is at least in the same category as players such as Rob Gronkowski, Tony Gonzalez, Shannon Sharpe, and Antonio Gates, among others, as the best tight ends in league history.
Even in his 11th season, Kelce has continued to perform at an extremely high level for Kansas City, especially in the playoffs.
In the AFC Championship Game against the top-seeded Baltimore Ravens, Kelce took over, finishing with a perfect 11 catches on as many targets to go along with a game-high 116 receiving yards and a touchdown in the opening minutes, too.
At 34 years of age?
That is simply remarkable.
“Know your role and shut your mouth!”
That was the famous quote screamed at the top of Kelce’s lungs after knocking out the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Championship Game a season ago to advance to the Super Bowl.
Kelce quietly lets his game speak for itself.
The Chiefs and Kelce were doubted last year, and they won the entire thing.
After an ugly home loss this season on Christmas Day vs. the Las Vegas Raiders, Kelce’s Chiefs were doubted even more to reach this point for the second straight season.
MORE: Andy Reid Non-Committal When Asked About His Future
Well, here they are again.
Now Reid, Mahomes, and Kelce are playing in their fourth Super Bowl together, where Kelce will look to take home the Super Bowl MVP award for the very first time in his career.
As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!