Chiefs' Travis Kelce moves into second place for all-time tight end receiving yards

It was quite a milestone offseason for Travis Kelce.

The Kansas City Chiefs tight end wasted no time in making it a milestone regular season, as well.

Kelce moved into second all time for receiving yards by a tight end during the Chiefs’ 31-10 season-opening Monday night win over the Denver Broncos.

Predictably, Kelce downplayed the individual milestone when speaking to ESPN's Laura Rutledge after the game. 

"It’s a good feeling to get this win, all the other stuff is just hoopla now," he said. 

Kelce caught a 59-yard pass from old friend Patrick Mahomes in the third quarter to put him past longtime Dallas Cowboys stalwart Jason Witten for second all-time. Ahead of Monday’s season opener, Kelce had 13,002 yards, needing 45 to surpass Witten (13,046).

The catch was a turn-back-the-clock moment for Kelce, standing as his longest reception since Week 15, 2021, when he turned in a 69-yarder versus the Los Angeles Chargers. 

It was a memorable way to begin Kelce’s 14th -- and perhaps final season. The three-time Super Bowl winner now trails only Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez (15,127) in receiving yards by a tight end.

Though the 36-year-old’s career is winding down, his star status is not, thanks in large part to his recent nuptials to pop megastar Taylor Swift.

A no-doubt future Hall of Famer, Kelce, an 11-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro, ranks fifth among tight ends with 82 touchdowns and third in receptions (1,083).

Among his other notable accomplishments, Kelce has the most 100-yard games by a tight end (38) and his 1,416 yards in 2020 remaining a single-season best at the position.

Kelce’s earned another tip of the helmet for what’s been an astounding career, but this season is just beginning as he aims to help his Chiefs return to prior heavyweight status.