Chiefs’ Travis Kelce Shatters Jerry Rice’s Postseason Reception Record in AFC Championship Triumph Over Baltimore Ravens
Kansas City, Missouri – January 22, 2024: In a historic display of dominance, Kansas City Chiefs’ star tight end Travis Kelce etched his name deeper into NFL annals on Sunday, eclipsing Jerry Rice’s long-standing record for the most receptions in NFL playoff history. Kelce’s record-breaking catch came during a pivotal second-quarter moment in the AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens, a contest that ultimately witnessed the Chiefs emerge victorious and secure their berth in Super Bowl LVIII.
The record-setting reception was an 8-yard connection from quarterback Patrick Mahomes on a crucial third-and-9 play, propelling the Chiefs into the red zone. While the Chiefs were unable to convert on the ensuing fourth-down attempt, the catch served as a testament to Kelce’s remarkable consistency and unparalleled brilliance in the postseason.
Entering the game, Kelce required just seven catches to surpass Rice’s record of 151 postseason receptions. With his exceptional performance in the first half alone, he achieved the feat in a mere three drives, amassing 66 receiving yards and a touchdown by the time he hauled in the record-breaking catch.
Kelce’s record-breaking exploits didn’t cease there. Early in the third quarter, he surpassed the 100-yard receiving mark for the day with his 10th reception, tying Rice for the most 100-plus yard receiving games in postseason history with eight.
The 34-year-old tight end concluded the game with a team-leading 11 receptions and 116 receiving yards, matching his second-highest catch total and third-best yardage output of the season. Kelce now stands alone atop the NFL record books with 156 postseason receptions, and he also ranks second all-time with 1,810 postseason receiving yards.
Kelce’s record-breaking performance is a culmination of years of unwavering dedication, relentless hard work, and unwavering excellence. He has established himself as one of the most prolific pass-catching tight ends in NFL history, and his postseason exploits have cemented his status as a true legend of the game.
In last week’s Divisional Round triumph over the Buffalo Bills, Kelce and Mahomes achieved another milestone, equaling and then surpassing Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski for the most playoff touchdowns by a quarterback-receiver combination in history. Kelce ended that game with 16 postseason TDs from Mahomes and 18 overall, adding another touchdown to his tally in the first drive against the Ravens with a spectacular falling catch in the end zone.
Kelce’s record-setting performance in the AFC Championship Game was a fitting prelude to the Chiefs’ appearance in Super Bowl LVIII. The veteran tight end will be seeking to add another chapter to his illustrious career by aiding the Chiefs in capturing their third Super Bowl title in the past four years.
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Travis Kelce Sets New Postseason Reception Record in Chiefs’ AFC Championship Win
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Travis Kelce established the NFL record for career playoff receptions, surpassing Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, and caught a touchdown pass from Patrick Mahomes as the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Baltimore Ravens 31-20 Sunday in the AFC championship game.
Kelce, who entered the game needing seven catches to break Rice’s mark of 151, had six receptions for 66 yards and a score in the first half alone. He finished with 11 catches for 116 yards.
Mahomes threw for 274 yards and three touchdowns, including two to Kelce. He also ran for a score.
The Chiefs (15-3) advanced to the Super Bowl for the third time in four years. They will face the winner of the NFC championship game between the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers.
The Ravens (14-6) had their season conclude in disappointing fashion. They were unable to generate substantial offense against the Chiefs’ defense, which restricted them to 234 total yards.
Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson was limited to 97 yards passing and was sacked four times. He also rushed for 62 yards, but was unable to produce any significant plays.
The Chiefs took a 14-0 lead in the first quarter on a 1-yard run by Jerick McKinnon and a 17-yard touchdown pass from Mahomes to Kelce.
The Ravens reduced the deficit to 14-7 on a 1-yard run by Kenyan Drake, but the Chiefs responded with a 29-yard field goal by Harrison Butker.
Baltimore made it a one-score game again with a 43-yard field goal by Justin Tucker, but the Chiefs extended their lead to 24-13 with a 1-yard touchdown run by Mahomes.
The Ravens got a 14-yard touchdown pass from Jackson to Demarcus Robinson to reduce the deficit to 24-20, but the Chiefs sealed the victory with a 75-yard touchdown pass from Mahomes to Kelce with 8:25 remaining.
Kelce’s record-breaking catch occurred on a third-and-9 play in the second quarter. He caught a pass from Mahomes for 8 yards, propelling the Chiefs into the red zone. The Chiefs were unable to convert on fourth down, but Kelce’s catch gave him 152 career playoff receptions, surpassing Rice’s record.
Kelce is now the all-time leader in postseason receptions, receiving yards (1,810), and touchdown catches (19). He is also the only player in NFL history with at least 150 receptions, 1,800 yards, and 19 touchdowns in the playoffs.