Travis Kelce had been on one of his longest touchdown droughts entering the divisional round playoff game between the Chiefs and Bills. He had gone seven games without scoring, tying the longest streak of his career.
Kelce was able to break that streak on Sunday. In the second quarter, he separated from Bills defenders and found himself wide open in front of the end zone. Patrick Mahomes found it, throwing a 22-yard pass that led to the drought-breaking score.
The play was nice by Kelce and gave the Chiefs their first lead of the game, which ended with a 27-24 Kansas City victory. He also thrilled both his girlfriend, Taylor Swift, and his brother, Jason Kelce.
Mahomes to Kelce. Bread and butter. Bosses take the initiative! #KingdomofBosses
?: #KCvsBUF on CBS
?: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/FR6a2VkD33 pic.twitter.com/5jUdWWbtF2-NFL (@NFL) January 22, 2024
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However, Kelce wasn’t done after that. She scored again shortly after the break on a quick screen from Mahomes. That once again tipped the game in favor of the Chiefs, who took a 20-17 lead after the play.
.@PatrickMahomes & @tkelce now holds the record for most postseason touchdowns by a duo ? (16)
?: #KCvsBUF on CBS
?: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/FR6a2VkD33 pic.twitter.com/06vZc3hAuZ-NFL (@NFL) January 22, 2024
Kelce’s second touchdown also made a bit of NFL playoff history. It was the 16th time he caught a touchdown from Mahomes in the postseason, the most among a quarterback and pass catcher in league history.
Previously, the record had belonged to Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski. The former Patriots and Buccaneers teammates connected for 15 touchdowns in the postseason. Those touchdowns occurred during a span of 11 seasons during which Gronkowski played with Brady as his quarterback in 22 playoff games.
Mahomes and Kelce achieved their record in just 16 games over six seasons together. They were able to surpass Brady and Gronkowski’s mark thanks in part to Kelce’s ability to stay healthy. That’s something Gronkowski couldn’t do during his 11-year NFL career.
After the Chiefs’ win, Brady took to social media to congratulate Mahomes and Kelce for breaking the record.
CATTLE. When you learn something you are doing well. https://t.co/s0Cbmxsbwd
—Tom Brady (@TomBrady) January 22, 2024
The Chiefs have operated a pass-happy offense under Andy Reid, while Bill Belichick and the Patriots took a more balanced approach with Gronk and Brady on board. That explains why Kelce and Mahomes were able to achieve this story in such a short time.
Regardless, the fact that Mahomes and Kelce are setting career milestones in their sixth season together just goes to show how talented each of them is. As long as the Chiefs continue to win year after year, they can continue to aim for the postseason records held by the legends of the game.
