Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce hails ‘warrior’ Patrick Mahomes after AFC Championship win
- Harrison Discombe
- 30 January 2023
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce praised Patrick Mahomes after the quarterback led his side to victory in the AFC Championship just a week after suffering a high ankle sprain.
Mahomes was able to return to the Divisional Round victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars after picking up the ankle injury but clearly struggled with pain and movement for the rest of the game.
The quarterback was able to practice throughout the week but worries over his ability to play up to his usual standards persisted until kick off.
"There was no doubt in my mind that [Mahomes] was going to be out there," Kelce said in his post-match press conference.
"I knew for a fact that he was going to give this city, organisation and set of players everything that he has.
"You saw it all coming together out there for that final play and it's moments like that that make it even more special to be his teammate and a part of the Kansas City Chiefs."
Despite his injury, Mahomes was able to outduel counterpart Joe Burrow, completing 29 of 43 passes for 326 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions as he led the Chiefs to a third Super Bowl appearance in four years.
"It's an amazing feeling [to be in the Super Bowl]," Kelce added.
"We don't need to look too far forward right now but I know we've got a warrior back there at quarterback as we go into the biggest game of the season.
"No matter what, I know 15 is going to give us a chance to win it."
With the Philadelphia Eagles cruising past the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship, Travis and Eagles center Jason Kelce are set to become the first pair of brothers to play against each other in a Super Bowl.
"It's going to be an amazing feeling [playing against Jason]," Kelce told reporters.
"You won't see much trash talking from me because of the respect I have for everyone at the Eagles organisation and the love I have for my brother.
"It's going to be an emotional game, that's for sure. My mum can't lose!"
The Eagles and the Chiefs face off for a shot at Super Bowl immortality in Glendale, Arizona on Sunday, February 12.
