Kelce takes over Chiefs all-time franchise TD receptions record with score against Steelers
PITTSBURGH, Pa. (KCTV) - The greatest tight end in Kansas City Chiefs history has taken over another franchise record.
In his latest record-setting performance, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce caught his 77th receiving touchdown, suring fellow Chiefs legend Tony Gonzalez for another Chiefs record.
Kelce broke Gonzalez’s record on Christmas Day against the Pittsburgh Steelers. In an ode to Gonzalez, Kelce dunked home the touchdown ball over the goalposts with the Chiefs after giving the Chiefs a 28-10 lead.
“No. No,” Kelce said laughingly about whether he gave a look over to head coach Andy Reid prior to drawing the unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. “I knew the score and I knew my guy (kicker) Harrison (Butker) had my back on the field goal.
“It’s showing Tony some love and a big tribute to not just who he’s been in this organization but who he’s been in football and how iconic it was that he would dunk the ball on the goalpost all the time. I gave my best effort. I don’t know if I did it quite like him, though.”
His record-breaking touchdown came on a 12-yard reception from quarterback Patrick Mahomes. It gave the Chiefs a 29-10 lead over the Steelers after Butker made the extra long extra point on Christmas Day.
Kelce celebrated the monumental touchdown score with a dunk of the football on the goalpost, an ode to Gonzalez’s old touchdown celebration. Earlier this year, Gonzalez said he’d volunteer to pay Kelce’s fine if No. 87 received an unsportsmanlike penalty for doing the celebration.
In September, Kelce sured Gonzalez for the franchise record for receptions. Gonzalez finished his career in Kansas City with 916 catches. Kelce entered Wednesday’s game at 996 catches, 4 away from becoming the 15th person in NFL history to reach 1,000 career receptions.
He sured that 1,000-catch mark earlier in the third quarter of the game.
After suring Gonzalez’s receptions record in September -- a year after breaking Gonzalez’s franchise receiving yards record -- Kelce said he’s spent his entire career working to match Gonazlez’s productivity.
“To be in conversations,” Kelce said, “not to say I am as good as Tony or to say that I’ve sured Tony, to be in a conversation as cool as this -- having as many receptions in the organization he spent the majority of his career in is just an honor, man.”
Gonzalez congratulated Kelce on breaking his record in a post on social media on Wednesday.
“Congrats to my man @tkelce on becoming the all time @Chiefs leader in touchdowns! Keep blazing trails my friend! btw nice dunk!” Gonzalez wrote.
Kelce responded on Twitter jokingly: “You know I had to show love to the greatest of all time!! you did mention you’d help me with the fine tho.”
Mahomes also noted the accomplishment, itting he’d tried for weeks to get Kelce the record before making it happen on Christmas Day.
“I was extremely excited,” Mahomes said. “I’ve been trying to get him a touchdown for the last few weeks and I wanted to do it at Arrowhead -- but I was glad we got it done in the regular season and now we can just play football.
“He’s done so much for this organization on and off the field. To have the career that he’s had is special. I know at the end of the day he wants to win the ring more than anything but it’s awesome that he can have that accomplishment.”
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