After the Chiefs' 2025 season ended without a playoff appearance, there was speculation on whether Travis Kelce would return for a 14th NFL season. And if he did, what kind of form would the soon-to-be-37-year-old even be in come Week 1.
We got our answer on Monday night.
Led by newly acquired running back Kenneth Walker III and a now-healthy Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs cruised to a Monday Night Football win over the Broncos. Kelce also had himself his biggest play in a decade on a 59-yard catch and run to the five-yard line.
Kelce was admittedly a little mad at himself for not getting into the end zone on the play. But it did beg the question: How fast was Kelce running on his 59-yard reception? Next Gen Stats had the answer.
Travis Kelce gained
54 yards after the catch on his 59-yard reception, his most YAC on a reception since Week 16, 2016 (also against the Broncos). 🔸 YAC Over Expected: +32 🔸 Top Speed: 16.88 mph#DENvsKC | #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/NtlZXWryaQ
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) September 15, 2026
Kelce's top speed on the run was 16.88 mph. You generally want to see a ball carrier hit at least 20 mph to be considered fast, especially with all that open field.
Kelce's fastest recorded time since 2017, though, was 19.68 mph in the Chiefs' Super Bowl 58 win against the 49ers.
Travis Kelce reached a top speed of 19.68 mph on his 22-yard reception to set up the Chiefs' game-tying field goal, Kelce's fastest speed as a ball carrier over the last seven seasons.#SuperBowlLVIII | #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/2R3b6kbNjJ
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) February 12, 2024
So, he's lost a step. But with the Chiefs offense cooking like it did on Monday, it might not even matter.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: How fast was Travis Kelce running on his 59-yard reception against the Broncos?
