As proven throughout his career, Travis Kelce is best when the stage is bigger and the lights are brighter. He did not disappoint when the Kansas City Chiefs went on the road and defeated the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game.
The All-Pro tight end helped his squad clinch back-to-back Super Bowl berths by collecting 11 catches in as many targets for 116 yards and a touchdown. His receptions tally moves him past the great Jerry Rice for most career postseason catches with 156, five more than Rice’s long-standing record of 151.
His touchdown grab occurred during the Chiefs’ opening drive. He and quarterback Patrick Mahomes connected on a 19-yard touchdown reception for his third catch and the game’s first points. It’s also his third touchdown catch in this postseason after having two during the Divisional Round on the road versus the Buffalo Bills.
OH MY GOODNESS TRAVIS KELCE pic.twitter.com/b8W7hs0ih4
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 28, 2024
While his streak of 1,000-yard seasons ended this campaign, he has stepped up during the postseason. After averaging 29.3 yards in his last three regular-season games, he is averaging 87.3 yards per game in the playoffs.
Meanwhile, the Ravens struck back after his touchdown when Zay Flowers had his version of a scoring grab in the end zone. Then, the Chiefs scored ten unanswered points courtesy of Isiah Pacheco and Harrison Butker.
Justin Tucker added a field goal for Baltimore to make it a one-possession game. However, the Chiefs ran out the clock to preserve a 17-10 victory and book their trip to Nevada for Super Bowl LVIII.
With another AFC championship added to his silverware, Travis Kelce has an opportunity to win his third Super Bowl title in five seasons. However, the San Francisco 49ers, who edged the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship Game, stand in their way.
Super Bowl LVIII will be on Sunday, February 11, at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time. CBS will broadcast the game from Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada (near Las Vegas).
-Lance Fernandez