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Watch: Chiefs' Kelce catches first TD of season vs. Raiders
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) celebrates with wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (8) after scoring a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Watch: Chiefs TE Travis Kelce catches first TD of season vs. Raiders

Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce is reminding fans why he's a nine-time Pro Bowler on National Tight Ends Day.

Trailing the Las Vegas Raiders, 10-7, with two minutes left in the second quarter, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes dropped back on a 3rd-and-goal and fired a five-yard touchdown pass to Kelce. 

Unsurprisingly, Kelce spiked the ball after catching his first touchdown pass this season.

Kelce — a future Hall of Famer — is having a down year by his elite standards. He only has 28 receptions for 245 yards through his first six games. 

Kelce may be slowing because of age and injuries. The 12-year veteran turned 35 earlier this season. In November 2023, he told J.R. Moehringer of The Wall Street Journal he has undergone 10 surgeries over the course of his career. 

While Kelce may be exiting his prime, the Chiefs still need him to produce better numbers. 

K.C.'s 13th-ranked passing offense (221.5 YPG) has lost some of its explosiveness this season due in part to Kelce's decline.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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