TT Travis Kelce Makes NFL History With 13K Yards on a 5-Yard Pass – Mahomes Watches From Home & Posts “13K!” 😢🏈 Fans Flood Comments: “NOW DO NOT LET HIM RETIRE” – Is #87 Calling It Quits?
Patrick Mahomes Celebrates Travis Kelce’s Historic 13,000-Yard Milestone from the Sidelines
Kansas City, MO — Even from his couch, Patrick Mahomes made sure Travis Kelce felt the love as the veteran tight end etched his name deeper into NFL history.
On Sunday, January 4, 2026, during the Chiefs’ road matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, the 36-year-old Kelce became just the third tight end ever to surpass 13,000 career receiving yards.
Sidelined by a season-ending ACL injury, Mahomes marked the moment with a simple yet powerful social media post: “13K! 💪,” capturing the unbreakable bond between the quarterback-tight end duo.
Kelce reached the milestone on a modest five-yard reception from third-string quarterback Shane Buechele, who had taken over after starter Gardner Minshew was sidelined earlier in the year.
The catch, Kelce’s 1,079th career reception, also vaulted him past Hall of Famer Terrell Owens for eighth on the NFL’s all-time receptions list.
As confetti fell in celebration on the field, Kelce pointed to the sky and shared embraces with teammates, fully aware of the magnitude.
Mahomes’ heartfelt reaction quickly went viral, with Chiefs Kingdom flooding the comments. “NOW DO NOT LET HIM RETIRE,” one fan pleaded, echoing widespread speculation about Kelce’s future after a challenging 2025 season.
Another wrote emotionally, “Such a privilege to see you two play together. I will remember it forever and so will my daughter!” The post underscored the legacy Mahomes and Kelce have built since the quarterback’s arrival in 2017—three Super Bowl titles, countless comeback victories, and a friendship that transcends the gridiron.
Postgame, Kelce addressed the milestone with his trademark humility. “It’s special,” he said. “I’ve been fortunate to play with great quarterbacks, great coaches, and great teammates.”
When pressed on retirement rumors, Kelce remained focused: “Right now, it’s about winning games. Any decision about next year will be made with my family, friends, and the organization.”
He also reflected on Mahomes’ absence, calling the injury “shocking” and describing this period as a “unique time” in his career.
Having spent all 13 seasons in Kansas City, Kelce has become synonymous with Chiefs football. His chemistry with Mahomes—highlighted by no-look passes, improvised routes, and clutch postseason heroics—has defined an era.
Despite the team’s struggles this year, Kelce’s durability and production at age 36 remain remarkable, adding to a résumé that already includes nine Pro Bowls and four All-Pro selections.
Mahomes, rehabbing at home, has stayed connected, frequently hyping Kelce on social media and podcast appearances. Their partnership, forged through triumphs and now tested by adversity, continues to inspire. As one fan commented, “The brotherhood between these two is eternal.”
Kelce’s achievement joins Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten as the only tight ends in the 13,000-yard club, a testament to longevity and excellence. While the Chiefs’ season ends without playoffs, Kelce’s milestone offers a silver lining—and hope for one more run with his quarterback in 2026.
