KC Chiefs: What are the next milestones for Travis Kelce?

Travis Kelce is a beast. The K.C. Chiefs tight end has had a stellar career so far, setting a number of franchise and NFL records during his eight years in the league—and there are more milestones in his sights.

2020 was a remarkable year for Kelce. His 1,416 receiving yards were the most in a single season by a TE in NFL history, and it was his fifth-consecutive season with over 1,000 yards, also an NFL record. But what achievements are next?

Kelce, of course, has a chance to re-break his receiving record again and another season with over 1,000 yards would extend his record streak, but there are even more milestones within his reach.

Overall, former Chief Tony Gonzalez holds the record for most yards (15,127) and receptions (1,325) among TEs in NFL history. Kelce’s 7,881 career receiving yards and 612 career receptions are 10th and eighth all-time among TEs, respectively. While he is still a long way off those all-time milestones, a season with 1,000 yards and 90 catches could see him move up into fifth and sixth on those lists, moving ahead of Hall of Famer Ozzie Newsome.

What are the next statistical milestones ahead of Travis Kelce?

In Chiefs franchise history, Kelce sits second in total yards and receptions, again behind Gonzalez. His 48 touchdowns are the fifth-most in Chiefs’ history, another nine TDs could see him jump into second spot ahead of Otis Taylor (57). Wide receiver Tyreek Hill is hot on Kelce’s heels with 47 TDs, and he too could jump into second place overall in franchise history with a strong season.

With the retirement of fullback Anthony Sherman and the release of left tackle Eric Fisher this offseason, Kelce also now has the most games played for the Chiefs among active players. His 111 career games are 18th-most in Chiefs’ history.

Overall, based on averages per season, Kelce is on track to overtake Gonzalez for most career yards among TEs and would come close to passing him for most career receptions. At his current rate, he would not surpass Antonio Gates for most TDs among TEs (116). However, the addition of an extra game to the NFL’s regular season schedule should work in Kelce’s favor when it comes to chasing down those records.

As for the postseason, Kelce needs just eight yards to reach 1,000 career yards in the playoffs. Overall, he is currently second among TEs in receptions (83), yards (992) and touchdowns (9) in the playoffs, behind only Rob Gronkowski (89 rec, 1,273 yds, 14 TDs).

Again, while he may not pass those marks this season, Kelce stands a very good chance of surpassing them during his career as he continues to reach for and set new milestones for the Chiefs and the NFL.