Kelce Hits Milestone: Chiefs Star Becomes Third TE Ever to Reach 1,000 Receptions

Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce became the third tight end in NFL history to reach 1,000 career receptions during Wednesday’s contest against the host Pittsburgh Steelers.

Kelce reached the milestone by making a 19-yard catch late in the third quarter. He later caught a touchdown to set a franchise record for receiving scores.

Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez (1,325) and Jason Witten (1,228) were the first two tight ends to gain membership in the 1,000 receptions club. Witten, a 11-time Pro Bowl selection, retired after the 2020 season and isn’t yet eligible for enshrinement.

Dec 25, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) makes a catch against Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Kelce also caught a touchdown pass to become Kansas City’s all-time leader with 77, one more than Gonzalez, who earned 10 of his 14 Pro Bowl selections with the Chiefs.

After making the catch to surpass Gonzalez’s touchdown mark, Kelce dunked the football over the crossbar. Gonzalez, who also played college basketball, celebrated TD catches with the same maneuver.

Kelce’s touchdown catches rank fifth all-time among tight ends.

Kelce had seven receptions for 75 yards with under 12 minutes left in the game to give him 1,003 receptions for his career. He is a nine-time Pro Bowl selection.