As one of the most dominant tight ends in NFL history, Travis Kelce’s impact on the Kansas City Chiefs has been immeasurable.
With a résumé that includes three Super Bowl championships, seven consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and seven All-Pro honors, the 35-year-old remains a vital piece of the Chiefs’ offensive success.
Even as Kelce continues to produce — he has 62 receptions for 507 yards and two touchdowns this season — questions about his eventual replacement have started to arise..
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes recently addressed the topic in a conversation with ESPN’s Adam Teicher, expressing his faith in backup tight end Noah Gray. The four-year veteran, who signed a three-year, $18 million contract extension earlier this year, has quietly emerged as a reliable option in Kansas City’s offense.
With 23 catches for 249 yards and two touchdowns, Gray boasts the highest catch percentage in the NFL among non-running backs, connecting on 88.5% of his targets.
“He’s one of those guys that can come in for Travis in spots, and I have full confidence that he can go out there and make plays happen as well,” Mahomes said. “He’s learned a ton behind Trav, and you can see him getting better and better each and every year.”
Gray’s steady development has positioned him as Kelce’s likely successor. With Kelce’s contract set to expire after the 2027 season, Teicher noted that Gray appears to be the “eventual replacement” for the legendary tight end. While replacing Kelce’s production and leadership will be no easy task, the Chiefs seem to be grooming Gray for the role.
Head coach Andy Reid also highlighted Gray’s growing importance, saying, “We do a bunch of double-tight (end) stuff, plus he’s able to spot Kelce and he comes out of games with quite a few snaps because of the special teams.”
As Kelce continues to defy expectations in his mid-30s, the Chiefs are ensuring they’re prepared for the future, with Mahomes and Gray ready to lead the way when the time comes.
Their modesty stands out even more given Mahomes’ leadership on the field, where he has recorded 2,208 passing yards, 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions this season.
Kelce, with 60 catches for 499 yards and two touchdowns, continues to make plays that push the Chiefs closer to another potential Super Bowl run.
Yet, as Veach pointed out, neither lets his fame affect his relationships or day-to-day interactions with the team.
Veach further emphasized Mahomes’ commitment, saying, “I laugh all the time because someone asked me about Pat and the evolution of him, and just the fact that he’s still one of those guys who answers his cellphone on the first ring — it’s just rare and unique.”
For the Chiefs, their undefeated record reflects not only skill and determination but also a strong organizational culture grounded in respect and humility, qualities embodied by both Mahomes and Kelce.
Their influence extends beyond game-day victories, fostering an atmosphere that has become a hallmark of Kansas City’s success.
