Travis Kelce has insisted he is happy with his role at the Kansas City Chiefs after becoming the franchise’s all-time leading touchdown scorer in the Christmas Day win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Kelce had a franchise-record 77th receiving touchdown, passing Tony Gonzalez as the Chiefs beat the Steelers 29-10 to clinch the AFC’s No. 1 seed.
It was a highlight for Kelce in what has been a tough season individually compared to the heights he reached last year, but he finished Wednesday’s game with eight catches for 84 yards.
He’s had trouble linking up with quarterback Patrick Mahomes at times, and his three touchdowns could be his new career low — he’s never finished a season with fewer than five.
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’m here helping this team win football games.
Travis Kelce set franchise touchdown record for Kansas City Chief on Christmas
Kelce had one of his best games in a season in which he has struggled to be in top form.
“We have a lot of good tight ends, we have a lot of wide receivers that are getting open and doing great things with the ball.
“And Pat (Mahomes) is playing at his best heading into the playoffs. It’s a little different year than others, but it’s still great to get there every day.”
The 35-year-old also spoke about the team’s growth throughout the season, now that the focus turns to the playoffs.
“It’s fun to develop team chemistry,” Kelce said. “I can remember a lot of teams where we had success and those were the most fun teams.”
‘You could feel it in the building and right now, it’s a blast to come in and go work with the guys we have.
‘It’s more unique and more different than any year I’ve participated in. The chemistry is at an all-time high right now.
The Chiefs complete the regular season against the Denver Broncos on January 5 and have a bye in the playoffs due to their seeding.