KC Chiefs HC Andy Reid on Whether Travis Kelce Can Become GOAT TE

During Super Bowl LVIII week, Reid discussed Kelce's standing among historical tight ends and whether that perceived status matters to him.

The Kansas City Chiefs are three days into their media obligations for Super Bowl LVIII, and there's been plenty of discussion about tight end Travis Kelce.

Most of that is predictable, as the nine-time Pro Bowler's relationship with Taylor Swift has taken the pop culture and NFL worlds by storm this season. Additionally, Kelce enjoyed a productive (albeit slightly diminished) campaign with Kansas City and is back in another championship game. He upped his level of play just in time for the postseason, helping bring the Chiefs back to the promised land in the process.

On Wednesday, head coach Andy Reid was asked about Kelce's standing among all tight ends to play the game. Reid wouldn't say Kelce will go down as the greatest, but he confirmed the possibility. 

"Yeah, so, I think all of these guys want to do the best they possibly can and play the best they possibly can," Reid said. "I'd tell you probably, Travis's numbers probably stand up for themselves. I would tell you that he has an opportunity to go down as one of the best, if not the best, tight ends to play. Does he spend a ton of time worrying about that? I don't think he does. Every game, he goes, 'Let's just go win.' I mean, that's kind of his thinking. However, he's competitive and during crunch time, he's going to be there for you and want the ball to help out the team." 

Reid is right: Kelce's numbers are pretty damn impressive. Despite playing in fewer games than most of his all-time counterparts so far, he holds top-five rankings in career receiving yards (11,328), receiving yards per game (71.2), receptions (907) and touchdowns (74). His playoff statistics — 156 receptions, 1,810 yards, 19 touchdowns — are all tremendous. During January's run through the AFC bracket, he broke Jerry Rice's record for most postseason receptions by anyone to ever suit up in a game.

Aside from the career data and aside from his 1,000-yard receiving streak that got snapped this season, the eye test also paints the picture of a unique tight end. Kelce's blend of athleticism, route-running prowess and open-field vision is likely the best ever without much debate. As a former quarterback, his ability to freelance and improvise during plays is second to none. Blocking may not be a historically great realm for him, but that part of his toolbox was quite sharp during his prime and remains effective as he ages. 

Reid isn't the first person to chime in on Kelce's G.O.A.T. candidacy. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, several of Kelce's current or former teammates and even some opponents have done so in recent years. Heck, Rob Gronkowski (who has a case for the same honor) spoke about it back in October. As Kelce continues to play and rack up numbers and accolades, it's only natural for his name to enter those conversations more often.

With Kelce set to turn 35 in the fall, it's unclear how much longer he'll play — let alone at a high level. Earlier this year, though, he said retirement is "so much further down the road." Regardless of what that means exactly, he'll have continued chances to add to his legacy if he so chooses. All signs point to that, which is good news for Kelce and the Chiefs. It'll make Reid happy, too, as he coaches one of the greats.

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