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Travis Kelce Calls NFL Great an 'Absolute Legend' Without Hesitation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Jul 19, 2025 8:47 PM ET

Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce is undoubtedly one of the greatest tight ends in the history of the NFL. In fact, in Athlon's Top 25 list of the best NFL tight ends ever, he landed at No. 4.

Kelce has the numbers and accolades to back it up, with three Super Bowl rings to show as a key player for the Chiefs. The 35-year-old star also holds the NFL record for most receptions by a tight end in their first 10 seasons with 814 catches.

The Chiefs TE also has the third-most receiving yards by any tight end in history with 12,151, and the fifth-most total career touchdowns by any tight end with 80, according to Stat Muse.

Sure enough, there are a lot of eyes on Kelce heading into his 13th season in the NFL, especially as he looks to further improve his place among the greats.

Recently, however, Kelce made sure to bring attention to another legendary tight end who has paved the way for guys like him.

On Thursday, the NFL reposted a months-old video of Antonio Gates receiving his Hall of Fame door knock from former San Diego Chargers running back and Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson.

Gates was emotional and in disbelief, with the NFL noting in the caption that it was an entrance he "will remember forever."

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Travis Kelce, for his part, commented on the NFL's latest post and expressed his respect and admiration for Antonio Gates.

"Absolute legend!!" Kelce wrote.

Several other fans chimed in to honor Gates, with one fan noting that he "forever changed the TE position." Gates is an eight-time Pro Bowler and a member of the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team. Among all tight ends in league history, he still owns the record for the most receiving touchdowns with 16.

"Gates had hands and he ran his routes to perfection," a supporter added. Another one shared, "Well deserved. Top 3 TE of all time."

"Top 3 te of all time in my opinion," a poster stated.

Gates will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on August 2 in Canton, Ohio. He will be inducted along with Jared Allen, Eric Allen and Sterling Sharpe.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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