It’s very rare for a top ten quarterback pick to begin his career with players like Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. When you’re drafted that high, the team that acquires you is usually lacking comparable talent at the other skill positions.
But that’s what Patrick Mahomes has been blessed with during his first four seasons in the NFL. It’s no doubt Mahomes is a great QB but having guys like Hill and Kelce AKA Tango & Cash, have made Mahomes’ transition from the college game to the NFL game seamless.
Four years as the starter in KC and four straight trips to the AFC championship game jumps off of Mahomes’ early résumé. It’s garnered him incredible fame, an MVP and a contract potentially worth $500M.
That run of excellence wouldn’t be possible without the elite receiving duo of Hill and Kelce.
KELCE FOR THE WIN!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/7ZDYjEMuxY
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 24, 2022
In the last two playoff wins against the uber-talented Bills and their vaunted defense (No. 10 in 2020 and No. 1 this season), Hill and Kelce delivered in a big way, combining for 41 receptions, 536 yards and five touchdown receptions.
Tyreek Hill seconds after Andy Reid tells him that Travis Kelce’s catch was good and the #chiefs did officially win. He’s great in this interview. Don’t miss it. pic.twitter.com/yevjQAZA9G
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) January 24, 2022
In the past two seasons, Hill has 198 receptions, 2,515 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns. Kelce has been just as dynamic from his tight end position with 197 receptions, 2,541 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns. Each has made clutch plays weekly for the explosive, fine-tuned Chiefs offense.
Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill are an unstoppable duo pic.twitter.com/t7wpNqqGic
— PFF Fantasy & Betting (@PFF_Fantasy) January 24, 2022
Kelce is the only tight end in NFL history with six 1,000-yard receiving seasons. He also has six 100-yard postseason games to his credit, tying him for second all-time with former Super Bowl MVP Julian Edelman and Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin.
Hill set the single-season franchise record for receptions with 111 this past season.
He also holds the single-season receiving yards mark with 1,479 in 2018. His 15 touchdown receptions in 2020 tied him with former K.C. receiver Dwayne Bowe for that record.
Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce of the @Chiefs are the first WR/TE duo in NFL history to each have at least 10 receptions for 140 yards and a TD in the same game.
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) December 17, 2021
The Two Compliment One Another So Well: Easy Street For Mahomes
Hill and Kelce complement each other so well, and during a media session prior to last season’s Super Bowl Kelce talked about them possibly being the greatest wide receiver/tight end in NFL history.
“Without a doubt. It’s something that’s never been talked about between me and him, but we know what we’re both capable of and how much we feed off each other’s success.”
Mahomes doesn’t take having these two dynamic talents for granted. The 2019-20 season Super Bowl MVP talked about his reliable weapons during a media session.
“I think what makes both of them great really is how they complement the other well. The fact that Tyreek can bear man coverage, catch over the top, be able to make big plays happen, opens up the middle for Travis. And so to be able to have guys that complement each other so well, and individually are great talents, I think this is what them such a dynamic duo and a group of guys I’m glad to have on my team.”
Hill and Kelce have been together since 2016, and they’ve reached heights unheard of for a wide receiver and tight end. Even with Alex “Air Less Expected” Smith as the QB their first two seasons together, you could see the potential. When the gifted passer Mahomes took over in 2018, this offense went to another level, and they haven’t looked back since.
More news from our partners:
