Travis Kelce vs Rob Gronkowski front and center as Chiefs TE races past Patriots legend in postseason TD tally
The start of the Super Bowl between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs was fast, as both teams scored quick touchdowns on their opening drives. But for the Chiefs, who had the second possession, there was history to be made.
Tight end Travis Kelce, who caught Patrick Mahomes' touchdown pass, surpassed Rob Gronkowski as the tight end with the most receiving touchdowns in the playoffs. The Super Bowl catch was his 16th touchdown.
Super Bowl LVII is Kelce's 18th playoff game. Since the 2015 season, he has been in the playoffs every year. This was also his fourth touchdown in the 2022-23 postseason.
Gronkowski needed many more games than Kelce to get to 15 playoff touchdowns. The legendary tight end, who played in the league from 2010 to 2021, was part of 26 playoff games throughout his career with the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, always alongside Tom Brady.
Rob Gronkowski and Travis Kelce have a great relationship
Although Gronkowski and Kelce are competitors for the title of greatest tight end of all time, the two legends have a great relationship and share a ton of respect for each other.
Gronkowski was handling media duties during Super Bowl LVII and spoke about how he feels being compared to a great player like Kelce.
"I think they're great," Gronkowski told Phil Perry from NBC Sports. "We're both No. 87 as well. I love Travis. I know Travis, he's a lot of fun, he's got a great personality and he's always loose. What's so amazing about his game is that he's so loose. But the comparisons are great.
"He's doing such a great job. I have so much respect for him. So just to hear the comparisons all the time of everything that's being said, I think it's great for the game of football. I think it's great for the tight end position as well.
Gronk is a four-time Super Bowl champion and four-time First-Team All-Pro. Kelce has only one ring, but was voted as an All-Pro seven times.