The Chiefs have one thing on their minds, and it’s not subtle—they’re chasing that elusive three-peat. Fresh off a solid win against the Panthers, they’re sitting pretty at 10-1, proving why they’re still the team to beat. Even with a laundry list of injuries, Andy Reid’s squad is thriving, thanks to that classic next-man-up mindset. These guys don’t just fill gaps—they turn their game mode: ON. But guess who’s tossing in a little unsolicited coaching advice? None other than the one and only Travis Kelce.

On the November 27 episode of the New Heights podcast, the Kelce brothers discussed Kansas City’s nail-biting win against the Panthers, and considering how the backup tight end was one of the offensive highlights of the game, Jason Kelce couldn’t help but bring up Noah Gray. And, well, Travis didn’t hold back on the praise. “I can’t say enough about the teammate he is, the guy he is. The professionalism when he walks into the building – he’s in it wholeheartedly. All of his focus is on one goal, and that’s to make the team better. And he’s been that guy since he’s been in the locker room.

“I’ve been saying for the past two or three years that we need to get him more incorporated in the offense in terms of throwing and make him a primary. ‘Cause he’s got such a good feel. He sees the defense, understands the defense, and feels those voids really well.” Kelce said. He even hyped up Gray’s football IQ, calling out his knack for reading defenses and slipping into open spaces.

“When you see a guy keep rising to the occasion time after time, whether it’s in the pass game, the run game, the pass-blocking game. Wherever you need this guy to make a play, he’s gonna make a play for you.” Is it just a shoutout to his teammate, or is Travis Kelce casually passing Coach Reid a sticky note that says, “Hey, give Noah more snaps?” In either case, the Chiefs coach has every reason to back Kelce on this one.

Noah has been quietly balling out, snagging 4 receptions for a team-high 66 yards in his season-best performance against Carolina. Oh, and did I mention his back-to-back two-touchdown games? Whether this is a clever ploy to free up Kelce later in the season or proof Mahomes has found a new red-zone favorite, one thing’s clear: Gray’s stepping up big time. And Travis Kelce is impressed.

Is Noah Gray’s emergence the sign of Travis Kelce’s last dance?

Here’s the kicker—Noah Gray has doubled Travis Kelce’s touchdowns this season. That’s right, four to two. And while injuries have thinned the Chiefs’ tight end room (looking at you, Peyton Hendershot, Jody Fortson, and Jared Wiley), Kelce and Gray’s duo still brings serious heat.

Trav has the edge in targets, receptions, and yards. But when it comes to finding the end zone, Noah’s been the guy lately. Kelce, always the consummate team player, couldn’t stop hyping Gray, saying, “He’s in it wholeheartedly…all of his focus is on one goal, and that’s to make the team better.” But let’s be real—this isn’t just about stats. This feels like Kansas City laying the groundwork for life after Kelce.

Don’t get me wrong, #87 is still that guy. But Father Time doesn’t take bye weeks. I mean, we all are watching him expand his horizons by taking up new gigs… Hosting a podcast, acting, singing, getting on the stage with his beau Taylor Swift (can expect more of that), and whatnot. So, it wouldn’t be a dull one for him as he himself said: “When you win the Super Bowl, doors open for you… It’s the best feeling in the world. I just gotta make sure that I’m set up for what’s next.” 

Gray’s emergence isn’t just insurance. It’s a sign the Chiefs are already preparing for the next chapter. And honestly, if Kelce’s endorsement of Gray doesn’t scream “pass the torch someday,” what does?