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Since 2018, the Patrick Mahomes-Travis Kelce connection has become one of the most iconic quarterback-tight end duos in NFL history. Long before Mahomes stepped into his starting role with the Kansas City Chiefs, Kelce was already a Pro Bowl fixture.
But when Mahomes took the reins, their partnership exploded, redefining what chemistry between a quarterback and tight end could look like-especially in the playoffs.
Together, Mahomes and Kelce have obliterated NFL records, forming one of the most efficient and dangerous postseason duos the league has ever seen.
Their combination has sured the previous gold standard set by Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski, who had 16 postseason touchdowns. Now, Mahomes and Kelce own that record outright with 19 postseason touchdowns-and counting.
Records and chemistry have fueled their success
The two Chiefs stars also claim the most quarterback-receiver yards in Super Bowl history, logging 389 total receiving yards, and Kelce now owns the NFL record for most career postseason receptions at 178, 155 of which came from Mahomes.
That total represents the most playoff catches ever from a single quarterback to one -catcher. With 2,078 postseason receiving yards, Kelce is second only to Jerry Rice, whose record 2,245 is now within reach.
Kelce and Mahomes have built an unbreakable rapport through endless hours of practice, trial and error, and strategic improvisation.
"I'll try it out in practice, and if the ball doesn't come my way, then I know not to do it again, or I'm getting the ball right on time. Pat will let me know, or he'll let everybody on this. This isn't just me thing anymore. Everybody, if you're given a specific route vs certain coverage, you get a little bit of freedom, and it's evolved over that," Kelce explained.
This creative freedom allows Kelce to tweak his routes mid-play depending on the coverage he sees-and Mahomes, with his football IQ, adjusts seamlessly. That mutual understanding has become nearly impossible for defenders to counter.
A new chapter
Kelce's 2024 campaign showed some signs of wear. While he remained productive, he ittedly began to slow down. His ability to separate from defenders diminished slightly, and Mahomes, recognizing this, began spreading targets to younger weapons. For the first time, there was a noticeable drop in the duo's dominance.
That reality, combined with a Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, sparked retirement rumors for Kelce. But the 34-year-old tight end isn't ready to call it quits. In a statement of renewed determination, Kelce entered the offseason with a mission to transform his body, dropping 25 pounds to get leaner and lighter.
Now entering his 13th NFL season, Kelce is still motivated not just by records, but by his love for the game, the city of Kansas City, and the team he helped turn into a dynasty. And while the Mahomes-Kelce connection may not look as sharp as it did at its peak, it remains dangerous.