Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce spoke highly of Patrick Mahomes following the quarterback’s remarkable behind-the-back pass.

On Tuesday, Kelce returned to Missouri to accept the Polsinelli Sportsman of the Year honor at the Kansas City Sports Awards. The tight end had departed Taylor Swift’s mansion in Westerly to ensure his attendance at the ceremony.

 

Patrick Mahomes has played with Travis Kelce since the quarterback arrived in Kansas City in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft

Upon accepting his award, Kelce charmed the crowd and generated laughter as he recalled Mahomes’ stunning preseason play versus the Detroit Lions. He claimed the majestic play – which Kelce insisted at the time was improvised – was in “slow motion”.

“’It was like slow motion, man,” Kelce said. “The ball was just there up for grabs. Sure enough, I was running the wrong route, but still got the first down.”

He then praised his quarterback, ultimately suggesting Mahomes’ boundless creativity could lead to more exciting plays: “Who knows what pass got up in his sleeve? He didn’t go behind the back because everybody wanted him to. He’s on record saying that he’s only going to do it when he needs to do it. You know what I mean? When it has to be done.

“I think that’s what’s fun about playing with him is that he just naturally is just an unbelievable player to be able to do stuff like that and so confident. You never know what happens.”

Travis Kelce has been named to the Pro Bowl in each of the last nine seasons
Travis Kelce has been named to the Pro Bowl in each of the last nine seasons ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
Kelce also remembered not to leave out praise for his head coach. He added: “I would say the most creative of the bunch is Andy Reid. The more stuff that Coach Reid lets us do, the more you will see out there on the field.”

After receiving his award, the 34-year-old thanked the Kansas City community for all that they’ve done and shared his appreciation of them. Kelce declared: “Thank you guys for everything you do in this community. I’ve been here 12 years. I love the support.

“That’s why I came out tonight to make sure you guys see the face of the people that love you guys just as much as you love them. So I appreciate you guys.”

Kelce and the back-to-back Super Bowl champion Chiefs open the 2024 NFL season against the Baltimore Ravens at Arrowhead Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 5.