Former and current Chiefs players are singing Travis Kelce’s praises ahead of the defending champions’ AFC title showdown with the Buffalo Bills this weekend.
In their divisional playoff win against the Houston Texans, Kelce caught an all-important touchdown to help Kansas City secure a 23-14 victory at home.
But his teammates praised Kelce for much more than his football prowess.
Alex Smith, who played in the NFL for 14 years raved about wanting to be around Kelce on and off the football field.
‘If I had to make a team from those guys of the teammates I remember and will always remember, Travis is absolutely first-team on that list,’ said Smith, who retired in 2020.
‘He’s in the huddle. Travis is a guy who gives energy. Every interaction with him you like. You always feel better after talking to him,’ Smith added.
Travis Kelce’s Chiefs teammates raved about his ‘magnetic’ personality and kind heartedness
Former Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith sang the tight end’s praises before the AFC title game
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‘There aren’t many teammates you would say that about. Some relationships are so unique. Some people are so magnetic and you love being around them, and Travis is one of those guys.’
Smith was not the only player to praise Kelce as third-year linebacker Leo Chenal admired Kelce’s larger-than-life personality.
‘He’s pumping us up every time we’re walking out on the field, [like], ‘Let’s go boys, let’s go,” Chenal said. ‘Every time somebody makes a play, he’ll call him out specifically or go on the side after a play: ‘That’s great, that’s great. Keep it going, keep it going.’
‘He’s so personable, but at the same time he’s a great leader.’
Kelce’s heroics against Houston came after a regular season that saw his numbers drop from previous campaigns.
While he’s tallied 97 receptions, four more than last year, the tight end is seeing career-low yards (823) and touchdowns (3).
The Chiefs hope for a repeat of Kelce’s postseason form last year when he tallied two touchdowns against Buffalo in the divisional playoffs and another against Baltimore in the AFC title game.
Kansas City had a near-perfect season with a 15-2 record atop the AFC West. Their only losses came against Buffalo and Denver.
The winner between the Chiefs and Bills will face the victor of the NFC title game between the Eagles and Commanders in the Super Bowl on February 9.
