Travis Kelce showered Patrick Mahomes with praise as the Chiefs geared up for their AFC championship game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.
During Friday’s press conference, Kelce hailed Mahomes as the best quarterback in the NFL while reiterating his impact on the Chiefs’ success.
Sunday’s game against Baltimore comes after Mahomes led Kansas City to a competitive 27-24 win over the Bills in Buffalo.
That’s one of the things that Pat’s taken on like a pro since the minute he was in the building,’ said Kelce. ‘It just keeps going up and up.
‘The naysayers can say what they want but he’s playing his best football right now and you’re seeing why he’s the best quarterback in the league.’
After winning two Super Bowls together, Kelce also reflected on his journey with Mahomes and Kansas City so far as they pursue their second consecutive title.
Man, it’s been a hell of a ride up to this point baby and I don’t feel like getting off the rollercoaster any time soon,’ Kelce shared. ‘But I’ve been fortunate that 15 landed here.
‘And on top of that has been willing to grow, not only with me but with coach Reid and his offense. And trying to build this thing to where it is today. Hopefully we just keep ascending into the direction where we wanna go.’
Mahomes earned plenty of praise by completing 17 of 23 attempts for 215 yards and two touchdowns against Buffalo. Both touchdown passes went to Kelce, allowing him to break a seven-game scoring drought in the process.
Their connection made Mahomes and Kelce the highest scoring quarterback-receiver duo in the postseason, with 16 playoff touchdowns placing them ahead of Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski.
He’s done what I try to do year in, year out, and I haven’t been as successful as he has – but answer the bell,’ Kelce said of Mahomes. ‘Answer the challenges that are presented to you and get excited about that.’
Given their success as individuals, as a partnership and with the team, Kelce remains focused on the task at hand as they face the top-seeded Ravens for a spot in the Super Bowl.
While Kelce holds Mahomes above all other quarterbacks, their opponents rally behind an MVP candidate in Lamar Jackson. The Ravens’ quarterback led Baltimore in passing and rushing yards as they finished with a 13-4 record and defeated the Texans in the divisional playoffs.
