How’d Travis Kelce become a KC legend? See top 20 photos that tell story of Chiefs star
By The Kansas City Star
How do you recognize greatness?
Sometimes, it’s enshrined in undeniable stats. Other times, it’s the swagger—the aura of a giant whose presence electrifies the field. For Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, greatness is both: a record-smashing stat sheet and a magnetic charisma that captivates millions.
From NFL records to winning the heart of the world’s biggest pop star, Kelce’s legacy is unmatched. On the field, his dominance is legendary. Since 2013, The Star has captured his iconic moments. Here are our top 20 photos of Travis Kelce’s greatness—Kelce being Kelce on the gridiron.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce tries to leap over Miami Dolphins cornerback Cortland Finnegan for a 7-yard gain at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on September 21, 2014. The Chiefs won 34-15. It was the first game for Kelce to score in since joining the Chiefs. David Eulitt The Kansas City Star
Travis Kelce fights off Houston Texans free safety Andre Hal after pulling in a pass during the AFC wild card game on January 9, 2016, at NRG Stadium in Houston. John Sleezer The Kansas City Star
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Rasul Douglas (32) could only watch as Travis Kelce made a flying leap for a touchdown at Arrowhead Stadium on Sept. 17, 2017. John Sleezer The Kansas City Star
Travis Kelce catches a pass for a first down over Denver Broncos defensive back Will Parks during a Monday night game on October 30, 2017, at Arrowhead Stadium. John Sleezer The Kansas City Star
Travis Kelce stands next to a giant fireball as he is introduced before the start of the Chiefs’ game against the Oakland Raiders on December 10, 2017, at Arrowhead Stadium. John Sleezer The Kansas City Star
Travis Kelce attempts to make a one-handed catch in the end zone against the Miami Dolphins on December 24, 2017, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. David Eulitt The Kansas City Star
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes lifts the Lamar Hunt trophy as CBS sportscaster Jim Nantz holds the microphone for Travis Kelce who sings “You’ve got to fight for your right to party!” onstage after the Chiefs defeated the Tennessee Titans 35-24 in the AFC championship game on January 19, 2020, at Arrowhead Stadium. Jill Toyoshiba The Kansas City Star
Travis Kelce celebrates a touchdown against the New York Jets by dunking the ball over the goalpost on November 1, 2020, at Arrowhead Stadium. Jill Toyoshiba The Kansas City Star
Travis Kelce does a little jig after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card game on Jan.16, 2022, at Arrowhead Stadium. Tammy Ljungblad The Kansas City Star
Travis Kelce catches a pass for a touchdown in overtime to win the AFC Divisional Playoff game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills at Arrowhead Stadium on Jan. 23, 2022. The Chiefs defeated the Bills, 42-36, in one of the NFL’s wildest games ever. Jill Toyoshiba The Kansas City Star
Travis Kelce is introduced before the start of the Divisional Round game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Jan. 21, 2023, at Arrowhead Stadium. Tammy Ljungblad The Kansas City Star
Travis Kelce celebrates a touchdown by doing his “stanky leg” dance with wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling during Super Bowl LVII against the Philadelphia Eagles on Feb. 12, 2023, in Glendale, Arizona. Nick Wagner The Kansas City Star
Travis Kelce hugs Chiefs head coach Andy Reid as Tammy Reid looks on after the Chiefs won Super Bowl LVII, defeating the the Philadelphia Eagles, 38-35, on Feb. 12, 2023, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Tammy Ljungblad The Kansas City Star
Kansas City Chiefs safety Mike Edwards gets a hug from Travis Kelce after the Chiefs defeated the Chicago Bears, 41-10, on Sept. 24, 2023, at Arrowhead Stadium. Tammy Ljungblad The Kansas City Star
Travis Kelce eyes the goal line as his offensive line pushes him over for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium on Oct. 22, 2023. Nick Wagner The Kansas City Star
Travis Kelce and his brother, Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, meet on the field after the Eagles defeated the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on Nov. 20, 2023. With Jason’s retirement at the end of the 2023 season, it was the last time the brothers would play each other in an NFL game. Emily Curiel The Kansas City Star
Travis Kelce comes down with a touchdown catch in front of Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton on Jan. 28, 2024, during the AFC Championship Game in Baltimore. Emily Curiel The Kansas City Star
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes watches from the ground as tight end Travis Kelce stretches out and grabs a pass from a scrambling Mahomes while playing the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game on Jan. 28, 2024, in Baltimore. Nick Wagner The Kansas City Star
Travis Kelce hoists the Lombardi Trophy after the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in overtime 25-22 in Super Bowl LVIII on Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. Nick Wagner The Kansas City Star
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce walks onto the field for game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov. 4, 2024, at Arrowhead Stadium. Emily Curiel The Kansas City Star
This story was originally published November 27, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
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