Chiefs TE Travis Kelce finally prevails against the Chargers

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has a much-needed breakout game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

The 34-year-old — who turns 35 in less than a week — had five catches for 74 yards in the first half. Those 74 yards surpassed the 69 yards Kelce had accumulated in the first three games of the season combined.

Entering Sunday, Kelce had not caught more than four passes or gained more than 34 yards in any game so far this season.

Late in the first half of a win over the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday, Kelce was caught standing despondently on the sideline – an image that quickly became a meme.

“I think the way the defense is playing us right now, I'm not really getting a lot of opportunities to make plays on the field, but I'm not using that as an excuse,” Kelce said on his podcast before the Chargers game. “Going forward, I’ll continue to try to make sure I can help the team in that regard.”

Kelce's teammates showed their support for their struggling tight end before the game, with some wearing custom T-shirts emblazoned with Kelce's name and photos.

The Chiefs entered Week 4 against the Chargers undefeated but had a mediocre passing offense by their standards. Kansas City averaged 211.7 yards per game through the air after three weeks, 12th best in the NFL.

Kelce's breakout also comes at a desperate time for the Chiefs' offense.

Kansas City is already without its leading rusher Isiah Pacheco, who underwent surgery after breaking his fibula in Week 2. Pacheco has been placed on injured reserve and is expected to miss at least six weeks.

Then on Sunday, the team's leading receiver, Rashee Rice, was carted off the field after suffering a knee injury. Rice attempted to make a tackle after an interception by Patrick Mahomes when Mahomes accidentally fell on his knee.

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce catches a pass while Los Angeles Chargers defensive back Elijah Molden #22 defends during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday in Inglewood, California.Ashley Landis/AP

Kelce was the Chiefs' leading receiver last season. He finished the 2023 regular season with 93 receptions for 984 yards and five touchdowns.

In Kansas City's victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII, Kelce had nine catches for 93 yards. He is the Chiefs' all-time leader in receiving yards and holds the NFL record for postseason receptions.

During the offseason, Kelce acted professionally for the first time, filming a role on the FX series Grotesquerie. He also appeared on stage with his girlfriend Taylor Swift during her Eras Tour show in London.

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