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Travis Kelce was an instrumental player in the Kansas City Chiefs' victory at Super Bowl LVII. He had six receptions, 81 yards and one touchdown. He served as a vital member of the Chiefs' offense and was also credited as a team leader in the locker room.
Conversations have been ongoing about whether Kelce is already the greatest tight end in NFL history or, at least, on the path to becoming the GOAT of tight ends. This topic is a sensitive one, given that many great tight ends have achieved significant success in the NFL.
The tight end position is a hybrid position that entails the responsibility of an extra receiver and also requires blocking skills to help stop defensive players and create opportunities for the team to run the ball.
Although Kelce has been criticized for his blocking skills, there is no denying his talent for catching the ball and being unguardable.
However, it is challenging to compare Kelce to other legendary tight ends in NFL history, such as Tony Gonzalez, Shannon Sharpe, and Rob Gronkowski, who have had remarkable careers in their own right.
The debate is further complicated by the evolution of the tight end position, which has changed considerably in recent years, with tight ends becoming more versatile and athletic.
The GOATs at tight end: Analyzing the legends of the game
The debate about the greatest tight end of all time involves several legendary players who have made significant contributions to the NFL.
Shannon Sharpe is one of the all-time greats. He won three Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens and was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame.
Sharpe finished his career with 10,060 receiving yards and 816 receptions during the regular season. He also holds the record for most receiving yards in a single game with 214 yards.
Another player who deserves consideration in the conversation is Tony Gonzalez, who holds the record for the most receiving yards for a tight end at 15,127 and the most receptions at 1,325. Although he never won a Super Bowl, Gonzalez was a 14-time Pro Bowler and a six-time First Team All-Pro.
Antonio Gates is another player whose name is often mentioned in discussions about the greatest tight ends. Gates holds the record for the most touchdowns scored by a tight end at 116 and has also led the league three times for most receiving yards by a tight end.
Then there is Rob "Gronk" Gronkowski, who is often considered the GOAT of tight ends. Gronk was a dominant force in his prime, holding the league record for most touchdowns in a single season by a tight end at 17.
Known for his blocking ability, which is vital to the running game, Gronk was regarded by many as the greatest tight end to play the game. He has won five Super Bowl championships, four of them with Tom Brady as his quarterback for the New England Patriots and one with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Why Travis Kelce is the most promising contender for the greatest tight end ever
These individuals have left their mark in the NFL as some of the greatest in the tight end position. However, what makes Kelce stand out is his ability to run routes and appear unguarded all the time.
Kelce also has impressive numbers and stats that stack up against any of the great tight ends. He currently holds the record for the most seasons with 1,000+ receiving yards for a tight end at seven.
Additionally, he holds the most consecutive seasons for a tight end with 1,000+ receiving yards, and this streak currently stands at seven.
But Kelce's record doesn't stop there. He holds the record for the most receiving yards for a tight end in a single season at 1,416 yards, the most games with 100+ receiving yards at 35, and the most seasons with 100+ receptions at three.
His postseason numbers are also compared to great wide receivers like Jerry Rice, as no tight end has better postseason numbers than him.
He holds the record for most receiving yards, receptions, and receiving touchdowns in the postseason for a tight end in NFL history with 1,548 receiving yards, 133 receptions, and 16 touchdowns.
Jerry Rice is the all-time leader in postseason receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns, having played in 29 games in the postseason. However, Kelce has played 18 postseason games and is projected to surpass Rice's numbers in fewer games.
Andy Reid and the Mahomes factor: A look at Kelce's success
Kelce has repeatedly credited the offensive genius of Chiefs head coach Andy Reid for his ability to set up plays that leave him open on the field. This added advantage has greatly improved Kelce's overall game and his ability to catch the ball.
Reid is widely known across the league as one of the best offensive minds and play callers in the NFL.
Kelce's relationship with Mahomes has grown beyond him being the talented quarterback's go-to target on the field. They have developed a strong bromance that has translated into an understanding and trust that allows the tight end and quarterback to connect on plays that might not be possible for most pairs.
The rapport they have built has allowed them to overcome the departure of wide receiver Tyreek Hill and go on an impressive run, ultimately leading to their Super Bowl win. He has been an ever-trusting presence for Mahomes. Together, they have excelled greatly.
His success can be attributed to Andy Reid's offensive genius and the chemistry and trust between Kelce and Mahomes. The synergy created by this dynamic duo has proven to be a winning formula.
Whoever your pick for the greatest tight end of all time is, Kelce's potential to maintain his numbers and play for another five to seven seasons makes it difficult to argue against him as the greatest tight end of all time.
