Kelce career trajectory vs. Gonzalez

[dmahurin]

Monday Night will be Travis Kelce’s 75th career regular season game. Here’s how his numbers compare to Tony Gonzalez’s first 75 games;

Tony G: 319 rec, 3,745 yards, 27 TDs.

Travis Kelce: 364 rec, 4,687 yards, 28 TDs.

Does Kelce stand a chance of continuing that pace?

[Hammock Parties]

Travis Kelce put up 168 receiving yards today, the most by a tight end in @Chiefs history.

Kelce had 12 catches, 168 yards and 2 touchdowns - the only other tight end to match those numbers in NFL history was Shannon Sharpe on October 20, 2002 vs. KC (12/214/2).#ChiefsKindgom

— Stats By STATS (@StatsBySTATS) December 3, 2018

[suzzer99]

I think Kelce might be playing in some kind of pain since mid-season or so. He doesn't have the same bounce after big plays.

If so the way he's gritting through it and still being a huge weapon gives me a massive amount of respect.

Either way he's been huge this year and still been good in his down games.

[IowaHawkeyeChief]

Originally Posted by suzzer99

I think Kelce might be playing in some kind of pain since mid-season or so. He doesn't have the same bounce after big plays.

If so the way he's gritting through it and still being a huge weapon gives me a massive amount of respect.

Either way he's been huge this year and still been good in his down games.

I think he is maturing and trying to get the refs to give him a break

['Hamas' Jenkins]

Kelce is not the same caliber of player. Gonzalez redefined the position and played in an era where you could actually play defense. He's also not been nearly as healthy as Gonzalez.

[suzzer99]

I think Kelce is just as much of an offensive weapon than Gonzalez. The question is can he have the longevity?

[WhiteWhale]

Tony played at a high level for about a million years. Not many are going to do that, regardless of the pace.

[WhiteWhale]

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

Kelce is not the same caliber of player. Gonzalez redefined the position and played in an era where you could actually play defense. He's also not been nearly as healthy as Gonzalez.

How, exactly, did he redefine the position?

[Iconic]

Another more intriguing question: Will Kelce be a HOFer?

['Hamas' Jenkins]

Originally Posted by WhiteWhale

How, exactly, did he redefine the position?

He ushered in the era of the power forward tight end, paving the way for guys like Jimmy Graham, Antonio Gates, etc.

After Tony Gonzalez, people starting looking for completely different skillsets in tight ends. Before Gonzalez, people wanted Mark Bavaro. After Tony Gonzalez, they wanted Tony Gonzalez.

He's one of the most revolutionary players in football history.

[WhiteWhale]

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

He ushered in the era of the power forward tight end, paving the way for guys like Jimmy Graham, Antonio Gates, etc.

After Tony Gonzalez, people starting looking for completely different skillsets in tight ends. Before Gonzalez, people wanted Mark Bavaro. After Tony Gonzalez, they wanted Tony Gonzalez.

He's one of the most revolutionary players in football history.

Mark Bavaro?

Sandbagging a little there aren't you?

[Hammock Parties]

Yeah this is an interesting debate.

Why didn't people covet Kellen Winslow types?

['Hamas' Jenkins]

Originally Posted by WhiteWhale

Mark Bavaro?

Sandbagging a little there aren't you?

Not really. That's why guys like Kyle Brady and David LaFleur were 1st round tight ends. Teams prized blocking TEs, and used high draft picks on them. Gonzalez changed that. Forever.

[mlyonsd]

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

Kelce is not the same caliber of player. Gonzalez redefined the position and played in an era where you could actually play defense. He's also not been nearly as healthy as Gonzalez.

You are correct Gonzalez was revolutionary. You're wrong thinking Kelce isn't the same caliber player.

[Valiant]

I have to agree with jenkins. The guy brought back idea of the offensive te, but then took it to another level. Then played at a high level like rice forever to cement hof stature. You now see clones of him everywhere. Only difference is the insane gloves they have now.

[Valiant]

Originally Posted by mlyonsd

You are correct Gonzalez was revolutionary. You're wrong thinking Kelce isn't the same caliber player.

Kelce would have to continue for another 10plus. That is the point he was making. Or go on a 110 catch 1600 15 td tear for five or six years.