by # 3 Football Players Travis Kelce Likes to Work With
Travis Kelce has established himself as one of the NFL’s premier tight ends during his nine seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. While his talents as a receiver have been on full display, racking up over 7,000 career receiving yards and 48 touchdowns, Kelce’s value to the Chiefs goes far beyond his statistical production. He is widely respected in the Kansas City locker room as a leader both on and off the field. His positive energy, work ethic, and team-first mentality have made him a central figure in the Chiefs’ success over the years.
Kelce’s selfless approach to the game has helped him form strong bonds with many of his teammates. However, there are three players in particular that Kelce seems to enjoy working with the most based on his comments to the media. Let’s take a closer look at these three individuals and what makes Kelce’s relationships with them so impactful.
## Patrick Mahomes
It should come as no surprise that the player Kelce is closest with is Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Ever since Mahomes took over as the team’s starter in 2018, he and Kelce have developed almost telepathic chemistry on the field. Their timing, trust in one another, and ability to improvise together has made them one of the most productive QB-TE duos in the league.
Off the field, Kelce and Mahomes share a close friendship as well. They spend time together away from the facility, bonding over family dinners and other social activities. This strong personal relationship has translated into almost flawless coordination when the lights come on Sundays. Kelce is always aware of where Mahomes is looking and will find ways to get open even when a play breaks down. Meanwhile, Mahomes knows he can rely on Kelce as a safety blanket, especially on third downs.
In a 2020 interview, Kelce called Mahomes “one of my best friends in the whole world.” He appreciates Mahomes’ competitive fire and confidence in challenging situations. Kelce also respects how hard Mahomes works at his craft, constantly studying film and finding new ways to elevate his game. Having a quarterback he trusts implicitly makes Kelce more comfortable taking risks like venturing deep down the field. He knows the ball will find him if he can get separation.
Over the years, Kelce and Mahomes have shattered franchise records together and led the Chiefs to a Super Bowl title. Their chemistry has become the stuff of legend in Kansas City. Kelce credits their bond off the field for allowing them to seamlessly anticipate each other’s moves when the pressure is on. Continuing to build upon this special QB-TE relationship will be critical to the Chiefs’ chances of future postseason success.
## Orlando Brown Jr.
While Mahomes is Kelce’s closest teammate, one player whose contributions often go unnoticed is left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. As the player tasked with protecting Mahomes’ blind side, Kelce has a tremendous amount of respect for Brown and what he brings to the Chiefs’ offensive line.
In interviews, Kelce frequently praises Brown’s work ethic and leadership up front. He sees how hard Brown trains in the weight room and studies his assignments to give Mahomes optimal protection in the pocket. Kelce also appreciates Brown’s positivity and encouragement of his teammates. Having a stalwart like Brown anchoring the left side of the o-line provides Kelce confidence to run routes without worrying about Mahomes’ safety.
Beyond just blocking for Mahomes, Brown’s size and strength are invaluable for Kelce in the run game as well. At 6’8″ and 345 pounds, Brown uses his massive frame to plow open running lanes for players like Kelce. His dominance in the trenches allows Kelce more space to operate out of tight end screens and play-action fakes. Brown’s run blocking is a big reason Kelce averages over six yards per carry on designed rushes.
Kelce made a point to single out Brown for praise after a big win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020. He told reporters “Orlando Brown was an absolute monster today. He’s a great teammate and a great friend.” Moments like this show Kelce’s sincere appreciation for the unsung roles players like Brown fill. Having an anchor on the left side he can depend on frees up Kelce to focus on his routes and trust the protection will hold up. Brown’s selfless play in the trenches has earned Kelce’s utmost respect.
## Marquez Valdes-Scantling
The newest member of the Chiefs’ receiving corps that Kelce seems excited to work with is speedster Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Signing with Kansas City in 2022 after four seasons with the Green Bay Packers, MVS was brought in to add a deep threat element the Chiefs’ offense was previously lacking. Kelce has been impressed by Valdes-Scantling’s willingness to learn and dedication in his first offseason with the team.
In organized team activities and minicamp, Kelce took Valdes-Scantling under his wing to help him acclimate more quickly. He worked on route-running nuances and provided tips on how to get open against various coverages. Kelce also praised MVS’s speed and hands, believing he can take the top off defenses as a vertical threat. Comments from Kelce indicate he’s eager to develop chemistry with Valdes-Scantling bombing downfield on post and fly routes.
Kelce values teammates who put in the effort to maximize their talents. He sees that drive in Valdes-Scantling as he’s absorbed coaching from Kelce and other veterans. MVS’s speed alone makes him a matchup nightmare that should open up more space for Kelce in the intermediate areas. But it’s Valdes-Scantling’s coachability and drive to expand his game that has Kelce optimistic about their potential connection. If MVS can carry over his offseason progress to the regular season, Kelce may have found another reliable target to keep defenses guessing.
Overall Impact
While these three players—Mahomes, Brown, and Valdes-Scantling—are all different in their roles, what they have in common is Travis Kelce’s trust and respect. More than just being talented football players, Kelce appreciates their work ethic, leadership, and selfless mindsets that help elevate those around them. Having partners he enjoys being around both on and off the field allows Kelce to focus fully on his job without distractions.
Kelce leads by example with his positivity, but he’s also not afraid to give constructive criticism to help teammates improve. The relationships he’s built over the years have been critical to the Chiefs’ sustained success. As long as Kelce has players like Mahomes, Brown, and now Valdes-Scantling to line up alongside, he’ll do whatever it takes to keep Kansas City competing for championships. His bonds with these individuals exemplify why Kelce has remained a central figure in Arrowhead Stadium for nearly a decade.
