> At a Glance
> – Travis Kelce became the third tight end in NFL history to reach 13,000 career yards during the Chiefs’ Jan. 4 game in Las Vegas
> – Patrick Mahomes, rehabbing a torn ACL, celebrated the milestone on social media from home
> – Fans flooded Mahomes’ post begging him to “not let” Kelce retire
> – Why it matters: The 36-year-old star’s potential final season has fans and teammates rallying to keep the future Hall of Famer on the field
History unfolded in the desert as Travis Kelce etched his name deeper into the NFL record books, while his closest teammate watched from afar. The Kansas City Chiefs‘ road tilt against the Las Vegas Raiders may be remembered as more than a division clash-it could mark the final act of one of football’s greatest partnerships.
Record-Breaking Catch
With 5:12 left in the third quarter, Kelce hauled in a five-yard dart from third-string quarterback Shane Buechele, sealing his place among the elite. The grab pushed the veteran tight end past 13,000 career receiving yards, joining Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten as the only tight ends to reach the milestone.
The play carried extra weight. Both Patrick Mahomes and backup Gardner Minshew are sidelined with knee injuries, thrusting Buechele under center. Kelce’s 1,079th career reception also vaulted him past Terrell Owens for eighth-most in league history.
Mahomes Reacts From Home
Minutes after Kelce’s historic catch, Mahomes took to social media:
> Patrick Mahomes posted on X:
> “13K! 💪”
The simple message sparked an avalanche of responses. Fans pleaded with the injured quarterback to convince Kelce to return next season:
- “NOW DO NOT LET HIM RETIRE”
- “Such a privilege to see you two play together. I will remember it forever and so will my daughter!”
The Retirement Question
Kelce, engaged to pop superstar Taylor Swift, has deflected questions about his future throughout the season’s final weeks. After the Chiefs’ Christmas Day loss to Denver, he kept his answer brief:
> Travis Kelce told reporters:
> “I’m focused on trying to win football games. I let that be a decision that I make with my family, friends, the Chiefs organization when the time comes.”
The 36-year-old has spent all 13 seasons in Kansas City, forming an unstoppable duo with Mahomes since the quarterback’s arrival in 2017. Together they’ve captured three Super Bowl titles and redefined offensive excellence.
Uncertain Future
The sight of Buechele throwing to Kelce instead of Mahomes underscores the fragile nature of NFL careers. When asked about potentially never playing with Mahomes again, Kelce’s reaction said everything:
> Travis Kelce responded:
> “Oh man, that’s crazy. I’m in a unique time in my life right now.”
The Chiefs’ medical staff continues monitoring Mahomes’ ACL recovery, while Kelce weighs whether to return for a 14th season or walk away at the peak of his powers.
Key Takeaways
- Kelce joined Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten as the only tight ends with 13,000+ receiving yards
- Mahomes celebrated from home while rehabbing his torn ACL
- The 36-year-old has played his entire career with Kansas City
- Fans desperately want both stars back for another championship run
- Kelce will consult family, friends and the Chiefs before deciding on retirement
As the Chiefs prepare for an uncertain offseason, one thing remains clear: the Mahomes-Kelce connection has already secured its place among football’s greatest partnerships. Whether Sunday’s game marked the end or merely another chapter depends on decisions yet to be made.
