The Kansas City Chiefs have seen many players suit up over the years, but none have made as significant an impact as quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce. Since becoming teammates in 2017, they have been central to the Chiefs’ rise to dominance, shaping the team’s modern legacy through remarkable performances and multiple championships. Their remarkable contributions have cemented their positions as two of the greatest players in the franchise’s history.
Mahomes: Nearing the Summit of Quarterback Greatness
Patrick Mahomes has rapidly approached the status of the greatest quarterback in NFL history, standing as a contemporary rival to legends like Tom Brady. Since assuming the Chiefs starting role permanently in 2018, Mahomes has led Kansas City to three Super Bowl victories and earned two league MVP titles. His impact goes beyond stats, as his leadership and playmaking abilities have transformed the team’s competitiveness. Mahomes holds franchise records with over 32,000 passing yards and 245 touchdown passes, along with a 102.1 career passer rating that highlights his efficiency and excellence on the field.
Travis Kelce: The Franchise’s Most Iconic Tight End
While Mahomes commands the spotlight as quarterback, Travis Kelce has established himself as arguably the best tight end not only in Chiefs history but in the entire NFL. Kelce has been a dominant force since entering the league, becoming the Chiefs’ all-time leading pass-catcher with 1,004 receptions totaling 12,151 yards and 77 touchdowns. His consistency and skill have earned him nine Pro Bowl selections and four All-Pro honors, with more than 1,000 receiving yards in seven straight seasons. Kelce’s role has been vital during the Chiefs’ most successful playoff runs, where his postseason receiving numbers rank among the best NFL records.
Ranking Among the Chiefs’ Finest Players
According to FOX Sports’ ranking of the top ten Kansas City Chiefs players of all time, Mahomes sits at the pinnacle in first place, while Kelce is ranked fourth. This acknowledgment reflects their sustained excellence and substantial contributions over recent years. FOX Sports highlights Kelce’s unparalleled status in franchise history:
“Kelce, who’s still going strong in the present, is the Chiefs’ No. 1 pass-catcher of all time, as he leads the franchise with a combined 1,004 receptions for 12,151 yards and 77 touchdowns. A four-time All-Pro and nine-time Pro Bowler, Kelce surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in seven consecutive seasons (2016-22).” —FOX Sports
“As for postseason play, he’s first in NFL history with 165 receptions and second with 1,903 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns. Kelce has been the focal point of Kansas City’s passing game in each of its last three Super Bowl seasons (2019, 2022 and 2023 seasons).” —FOX Sports
Mahomes’ rapid rise and exceptional career achievements are also celebrated:
“Mahomes has been a starting quarterback for just seven seasons (he became the Chiefs’ permanent quarterback in 2018), but he’s already one of the best to ever play the position. Leading the Chiefs to three Super Bowl titles — and winning MVP honors in each of those three games — Mahomes has earned two All-Pro and six Pro Bowl nods.” —FOX Sports
“He has led the league in passing touchdowns twice and also surpassed 5,000 passing yards twice, taking home the league’s MVP award in both seasons (2018 and 2022). Mahomes, who boasts a career 102.1 passer rating, is already first in Chiefs history with 32,352 passing yards and 245 passing touchdowns and second with 89 regular-season wins.” —FOX Sports
The Lasting Influence of Mahomes and Kelce on the Chiefs
Mahomes and Kelce’s partnership has not only defined a dominant era in Kansas City but also raised the standards for performance within the franchise. Their records and accolades reflect individual excellence and a shared commitment to team success. Looking ahead, as both players continue their careers, they will likely add more milestones and deepen their legacies as two of the greatest in NFL history. Their influence extends beyond statistics, inspiring future generations of players and Chiefs fans alike, and shaping the identity of the franchise for years to come.