“I was just trying to get recognized”: When Travis Kelce opened up about making his mark as a TE in the NFL

NFL: Kansas City Chiefs at Pittsburgh Steelers – Source: Imagn

Travis Kelce made his NFL debut in 2013 with the Kansas City Chiefs and has remained with the team ever since. Known as one of the best in his position, he reached 10,000 career receiving yards in 2022, becoming only the fifth tight end to achieve this milestone.

Travis Kelce plays a critical role in the Chiefs’ offense. Thanks to his strength and agility, he serves as a hybrid between a receiver and a blocker, aiding the running backs, quarterback and wide receivers in scoring.

However, his rookie season was far from ideal. Reflecting on that time, Kelce shared his experience on ESPN’s First Take in April 2020:

“Throughout my career, the beginning years, I was just always trying my hardest just to get recognized, just to be in the talks of one of the top tight ends in the league.”

Since those early years, Kelce has become a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and a seven-time All-Pro selection. He also holds the record for the most consecutive seasons with 1,000 or more receiving yards.

Travis Kelce says the TE position is evolving

Travis Kelce also acknowledged that the tight end position is evolving, giving credit to other greats like Rob Gronkowski and George Kittle.

“A guy like George Kittle — before there was Gronk, and if you’re comparing me to Gronk, you’re comparing me to one of the greatest to ever play the game,” Kelce said.

“I think it’s the same thing with George Kittle. What he’s been able to do his first two, three years in the league, and just take it by storm, and show us that the tight end position is evolving.”

Together with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Kelce formed a formidable pair that helped the Chiefs win the Lombardi Trophy in 2019. Interestingly, they secured the title by defeating George Kittle’s San Francisco 49ers.

The tight end role originated in the 1950s during the two-platoon era, combining blocking and receiving responsibilities. By the 1960s, the flanker back moved farther outside, just behind the line of scrimmage. This receiver shifted to the numerically weaker side, known as the split end, which eventually evolved into the tight end position.

In earlier decades, players such as Mike Ditka of the Chicago Bears and Jackie Smith of the St. Louis Cardinals popularized the role. In the modern era, players like Kelce, Gronkowski and Kittle have redefined and elevated the position, making it a fan favorite.