‘The grit and heart’ – Travis Kelce explains his historic start to the 2026 NFL season with Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce has had a historic start to the 2026 NFL season, setting all-time records and winning games.

Through the first two games of the season, Kelce has jumped to No. 2 all-time in receiving yards among TEs and just set the record for most YAC for a TE in the Chiefs’ 33-30 OT win over the Colts.

The 129 YAC Kelce has recorded through the first two games are the most he has ever done in the first two games of the season over his career, achieving this feat at 36 years old.

Travis Kelce breaks down the reasons for his historic start to the 2026 NFL season

Kelce spoke to ESPN after the game and revealed how the Chiefs’ 2026 training camp and the support system around him created a perfect storm for him to be the effective performer he is on the field.

“It’s not as much about the shape that I look like I’m in; It’s about the grit that I have and the heart that I have to get that ball north and to try and find a way to get my team to a victory.”

Kelce openly credited the team for being in great shape to pull off an OT win in Week 2 on a warm evening.

While he didn’t name his wife Taylor Swift, Kelce’s comment about the support system around him is a clear reference to people like Swift and their family supporting his decision to return for Year 14.

Travis Kelce’s 2026 NFL season stats with the Chiefs

While two games is a small sample size, Kelce has had an electric start to the year, currently leading all TEs in the NFL with YAC at 129.

In the Chiefs’ 31-30 win over the Denver Broncos in Week 1, Kelce had three receptions on five targets for 71 yards total. While he didn’t have a TD, he had an incredible 59-yard run up the field in that game.

Against the Colts, Kelce ended with nine receptions on 11 targets for 101 yards and one touchdown. He tied Rob Gronkowski for most games by a TE with 100+ yards and a TD (27 games).

Kelce has 12 receptions on 16 targets over the season so far for 172 yds (14.3 average) and one touchdown.

While his numbers might regularise to a lower average as the season progresses, nothing can be taken away from the fact that Kelce is still looking like one of the best TEs in the NFL at 36 years old.

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