by Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce’s Friendship is One of the NFL’s Best
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It’s no secret that Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce share a special bond on the football field. As quarterback and tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, they’ve established themselves as one of the most prolific duos in NFL history. However, their connection runs far deeper than the game of football. Off the field, Mahomes and Kelce have developed a friendship that has become like family. Their chemistry was forged through shared success and perseverance, but it’s their brotherly bond that has truly made their relationship one of the strongest in the league.
On-Field Chemistry
From the moment Mahomes took over as the Chiefs’ starting quarterback in 2017, he and Kelce clicked. In their first season together as the full-time QB-TE combo, Kelce recorded career highs with 83 receptions for 1,038 receiving yards. This was only the beginning of what would become a historic partnership.
Over the next few seasons, Mahomes and Kelce continued sharpening their on-field rapport. They developed an almost psychic understanding of where the other would be and how to connect for big plays. Kelce’s route-running became perfectly in sync with Mahomes’ gunslinging style of play. No look passes, behind-the-back throws – it didn’t matter the difficulty of the pass, Kelce and Mahomes made it look easy.
Their chemistry reached its apex during the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIV winning campaign in 2019. Kelce hauled in 97 receptions for 1,229 yards and five touchdowns, while Mahomes threw for over 4,000 yards and 26 touchdowns against just five interceptions. The duo was virtually unstoppable.
Their magical postseason run culminated with a championship over the San Francisco 49ers. In that game, Kelce recorded three receptions for three yards, including a clutch fourth down conversion late in the fourth quarter. While not his best statistical performance, Kelce’s blocking and veteran leadership were invaluable to the team’s success. Lifting the Lombardi trophy together cemented Mahomes and Kelce’s place in Chiefs history.
Success Breeds Camaraderie
There’s no question that achieving team-wide glory, especially winning a Super Bowl title together, brought Mahomes and Kelce closer. Overcoming adversity through multiple playoff runs showed how much they trusted one another in the biggest moments. The quarterback knew he had a safety blanket in Kelce, while the tight end took comfort knowing the ball would find its way to him if needed.
In the seasons since, they’ve maintained an incredible winning pace. From 2020-2022, the duo helped lead the Chiefs to an overall regular season record of 36-12. Kelce has broken numerous NFL records for his position along the way. Their on-field production makes it clear how in-tune they remain even years into their partnership. Going through battles side by side on the gridiron fostered an unbreakable bond of mutual understanding and respect between Mahomes and Kelce.
Off-Field Shenanigans
While their football feats speak for themselves, it’s Mahomes and Kelce’s off-field antics that best demonstrate the close bond they’ve formed. From hilarious social media videos to appearing together at various events, the quarterback and tight end are rarely seen apart.
A favorite pastime of theirs involves filming comedic skits, usually poking fun at one another, which they share on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. In one post, Kelce pretends to get into a fight with his “brother” Mahomes after being left out of game plans. Another shows the two recreating a dance from the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” sitcom.
Their personalities seem to mesh effortlessly. Both Mahomes and Kelce bring a goofy, fun-loving energy that keeps things lighthearted. Interviews together highlight their playful rapport, with the two exchanging jokes and jabs at each other’s expense. It’s clear they genuinely enjoy hanging out as much off the field as on it.
Brotherly Bond
Over the years, Mahomes and Kelce’s friendship has evolved into something resembling family. The quarterback has said Kelce is “like a brother” to him, and their bond extends beyond just the two of them. Mahomes and Kelce have brought their families together as well.
Mahomes’ long-time girlfriend Brittany Matthews is close friends with Kelce’s girlfriend Kayla Nicole. The two couples are often photographed on double dates or vacations. Matthews and Nicole even celebrated their joint birthdays with a fun-filled group getaway.
When Mahomes and Matthews welcomed their daughter Sterling in 2021, it was no surprise that “Uncle Kelce” quickly became one of her favorite people. Photos on social media show Kelce doting on and playing with little Sterling almost as much as her parents do.
The tight end spoke about his love for Sterling in an interview, saying “She’s like my little niece, so I try to spoil her as much as I can.” It’s clear their tight bond now extends across multiple generations. Off the field, Mahomes, Kelce and their families truly operate like an extended clan.
Beyond Football
Perhaps the strongest proof of Mahomes and Kelce’s friendship is how they’ve joined forces in business ventures separate from sports. In 2020, they partnered to launch a new media production company called “Krew Estate.”
Through Krew Estate, the duo aims to “develop and produce unscripted and scripted content across all platforms.” Some of their initial projects included a mini-golf competition series and a reality show following Kelce’s life off the field.
By going into business together, Mahomes and Kelce demonstrated a commitment to maintaining their relationship long after their playing careers end. It’s a strategic move to continue working closely and supporting one another’s careers even outside of football. Their production company hints that this is only the beginning of what they can achieve as a powerhouse duo.
In the years since, Krew Estate has expanded into developing other entertainment properties. Mahomes and Kelce’s production skills were put to the test creating content for their own social channels as well. The business endeavor serves as a testament to the deep trust and synergy between the two. They seamlessly collaborate not only on the field, but in boardrooms as high-level entrepreneurs.
The Bottom Line
More than great football players, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce have developed an authentic friendship that has lasted through triumphs and challenges. From their early days clicking as a QB-TE combo to achieving Super Bowl glory, a bond was forged through persevering as teammates.
Off the field is where their brotherly connection truly shines through. Whether joking around in videos or bringing their families together, Mahomes and Kelce treat each other like family. They even turned their partnership into a successful business to ensure their close relationship continues far past retirement.
While many NFL duos form strong on-field chemistry, few transcend into the kind of genuine friendship Mahomes and Kelce share. Theirs is a relationship built to last through trust, mutual respect and good old fashioned fun. It’s what makes them one of the best bromances in all of sports.
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