Patrick Mahomes Says He Expects Travis Kelce to ‘Step Up’ for the Chiefs in the Playoffs

The Chiefs will host the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 18

Photo: David Eulitt/Getty

Patrick Mahomes is counting on his teammate Travis Kelce to help the Chiefs make it to their third consecutive Super Bowl.

Mahomes, 29, spoke to media at a press conference on Tuesday, Jan. 14 where the quarterback said he anticipates Kelce, 35, to “step up” when Kansas City hosts the Houston Texans on Jan. 18.

“The greats, they step up in the playoffs, and it’s just higher intensity,” said Mahomes, who welcomed his third child Golden Raye with wife Brittany Mahomes on Jan. 13.

He continued, “The best players and the best leaders step up and make the best plays, and he’s done that, so I expect the same from him going into this playoffs.”

When asked about the tight end’s mentality going into the playoffs — where the Chiefs are hoping to make NFL history as the league’s first-ever team to win three consecutive championships — Mahomes said he thinks Kelce “resonates with the entire team” and “gets everybody to play their best football.”

“And that’s what it takes in order to win championships,” Mahomes said of Kelce’s winning mentality.

Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.Sarah Stier/Getty

Mahomes and Kelce are close on and off the field, as are their respective significant others — Brittany, 29, and Taylor Swift.

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After Brittany and Patrick announced the arrival of Golden Raye on Monday, Swift, 35, subtly offered Brittany a public congratulations by liking her announcement post on Instagram.

The couple’s newest addition joins daughter Sterling Skye, 3, and son, Patrick “Bronze” Lavon Mahomes III, 2.

Kansas City Chiefs Patrick Mahomes (15) poses with wife Brittany Mahomes and their children Patrick Bronze and Sterling Skye following victory vs San Francisco 49ers.Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images

During Tuesday’s press conference, the quarterback was asked if he and Brittany are planning for a fourth child. “I’m good with three for right now,” Mahomes responded.

The Chiefs and Texans kick off at Arrowhead Stadium for Kansas City’s first playoff game of the postseason on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 1:30 p.m. ET.