Travis Kelce has insisted he is happy with his role with the Kansas City Chiefs after becoming the franchise’s all-time leading touchdown scorer in the Christmas Day win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Kelce recorded a franchise-record 77th receiving touchdown and overtook Tony Gonzalez as the Chiefs defeated the Steelers 29-10 to clinch the AFC’s No. 1 seed.
It was a highlight for Kelce in what was a tough season individually compared to the heights he reached last year, but he finished Wednesday’s game with eight receptions for 84 yards.
At times he struggled to connect with quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his three touchdowns could be a new career low; he has never finished a season with fewer than five touchdowns.
But despite seeing less of the ball, Kelce is happy as long as his team wins.
“I’m happy with my role right now,” he said after the Steelers game. “I help this team win football games.
Travis Kelce tied the franchise touchdown record for the Kansas City Chief on Christmas
Kelce had one of his better games in a season where he struggled for top form
“We have a lot of great targets, we have a lot of wide receivers opening up and doing great things with the football.
“And Pat (Mahomes) is playing his best going into the playoffs. It’s a year that’s a little different than others, but it’s still a celebration every day.”
The 35-year-old also discussed the team’s growth over the course of the season as the focus now shifts to the play-offs.
“It’s fun to build team chemistry,” Kelce said. ‘I can look back on a lot of teams we had success with and those were the most fun teams to play on.
“You could feel it in the building and right now it’s great to come in and get started with the guys we have.
“It’s more unique and different than any year I’ve ever been a part of. Chemistry is currently at a record high.’
The Chiefs wrap up the regular season against the Denver Broncos on Jan. 5 and have a bye in the playoffs due to their seeding.