Travis Kelce isn’t just breaking records – he’s redefining what it means to be a top-tier NFL player even as he moves further into his 30s. On a thrilling Monday night, Kelce did something no one his age in the NFL has ever managed.
Catching 14 passes in the Chiefs’ win over the Buccaneers, he set a record as the oldest player to achieve such a feat at age 35. Let’s dive into what makes this milestone historic and how he’s joining the ranks of legends like Jerry Rice and Steve Largent.
Travis Kelce’s Record-Breaking Night: A New Standard at 35
Kelce’s 14-catch performance put him in uncharted territory, making him the first NFL player at age 35 or older to haul in that many catches in a single game. And it wasn’t just any game; Kelce’s receptions were critical in the Chiefs’ win, showing that even at 35, he’s one of the most dependable offensive threats in the league. This achievement bumps him ahead of some impressive veterans who once held this record.
Who Held The Record Before?
The previous holder was Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Bobby Engram, who, in 2007, managed 14 catches during an overtime game against the Browns. Engram was 34 years old then, which was considered remarkable for an NFL player. Engram’s record stood for over 15 years before Kelce took the crown, showing just how rare it is for players past their early 30s to log this kind of production.
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Travis Kelce Joins the Greats: Largent, Rice, and Engram
While Kelce has set a new standard, he’s in great company. Only a handful of players have reached 14 catches at age 33 or older in a game. Kelce had already made his mark last year in the Chiefs’ playoff victory over the Jaguars with a 14-catch performance at 33 years and 108 days old. And let’s not forget NFL great Jerry Rice, who caught 14 passes in a 1995 game, amassing 289 yards against the Vikings at 33 years and 66 days old. Rice’s legendary career showed what was possible for players who defied age-related expectations.
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Another legend, Steve Largent, logged an incredible 15 catches for 261 yards in 1987 at age 33 years and 20 days. But there’s a notable asterisk here – Largent’s big game came during a controversial time, as he crossed the NFL Players Association’s picket line to play, competing against replacement players. While still impressive, this context adds a bit of complexity to his record.
Breaking New Ground: The Age 35 Club
Travis entered a rarified club, as the previous record for catches by a player 35 or older stood at 13, held by legendary receivers Tim Brown, Tony Gonzalez, and Steve Smith.
Each of these players had remarkable careers, and while they managed 13 catches in a game after hitting 35, none reached 14.
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