The 2025 NFL season has been a forgettable one for the Kansas City Chiefs. For the first time in the Patrick Mahomes era (2018- present) the team won’t be in the playoffs where they’ve advanced to the Super Bowl five times and to seven consecutive AFC Championship games. It’s also the franchise’s first non-playoff season 2014.
Adding insult to injury was the torn ACL suffered by superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes late in the loss to the Los Angeles Chargers last week. With Mahomes out for the season and maybe part of next season, the team turned to backup and longtime NFL journeyman Gardner Minshew to lead the way. That was short lived as the former Washington State Cougars star left Sunday’s game with an injury. That thrusted third-string signal caller Chris Oladokun into a backup role, and tight end Noah Gray as the team’s next man up to take snaps under center.
Travis Kelce Rumored To Be Next In Line
Prior to finding out that Gray, a backup tight end possessed the third QB helmet’s communication package, the belief was future Hall of Famer Travis Kelce could be the guy to step into that backup role. In fact, one fan were so excited to about the possibility that he mentioned this via social media.
“Let Travis Kelce play QB to finish out his HOF career.”
While to no avail as of Sunday, it’s not out of the question that Kelce could be summoned into that role if the aforementioned Minshew’s injury is worse than originally perceived.
The Kelce Brothers fan page posted this as all of this was unfolding.
“As many of you know, Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury (surgery went well, and he’s now rehabbing). Chiefs backup QB, Gardner Minshew, started in today’s game against the Titans in Nashville, but he is now in the locker room with a knee injury,”
“Chris Oladokun is filling in as the only healthy quarterback available. In previous seasons the Chiefs have said Travis Kelce could play emergency QB if necessary. But the Chiefs have now informed us that the third QB helmet belongs to Noah Gray.”
Kelce Was QB In High School
While it may sound strange to hear Kelce’s name as a backup quarterback the last two weeks of the season, it’s not as far fetched as most would think. The dynamic pass catcher played the position in high school just as Gray did. In his senior season at Cleveland Heights High School, Kelce passed for over a 1,500 yards and rushed for over 1,000 yards before making the best choice in his athletic life, switching to tight end.
Fans Chime In
In an otherwise abysmal season by their standards, Chiefs fans are all for giving Kelce a chance under center going forward.
“In previous seasons, the Chiefs have said that Travis Kelce could play emergency QB if necessary,” a fan said.
“Just let him do it, let him finish his career fulfilling his lifelong dream to play QB in the NFL,” another fan said.
“Might as well they have nothing to lose. This could be fun! lol,” another fan said.
“Hear me out. Final home game on Xmas? Our gift to Travis: starting QB,” another fan mentioned.
“Kelce for MVP quarterback,” another fan quipped.
Kelce Makes More History
Not only is the future Hall of Famer the Chiefs franchise leader in receiving touchdowns, but the former Cincinnati Bearcats legend also holds franchise records for receptions, yards and total touchdowns. Kelce also holds records for most 1,000-yard seasons (7), most 100-catch seasons (3), and most postseason receptions (172).
On Sunday he joined the great Jerry Rice as the only NFL players to have at least 800-yards receiving in 12 consecutive seasons.
