Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce recently opened up in an interview, shedding light on the much-discussed behind-the-back pass play with Patrick Mahomes that took social media by storm.
During the chat, Kelce humorously debunked Mahomes’ claim that the move was improvised, revealing that while it wasn’t drawn up as part of a play, it was more than just a spontaneous trick.
Kelce explained that the moment caught him off guard. As Mahomes mumbled the play call, Kelce struggled to decipher the instructions as he approached the line of scrimmage.
“I couldn’t hear it. I was walking up to the line trying to figure out what he was saying,” Kelce recalled.
Before he knew it, Mahomes snapped the ball and, in an iconic Mahomes style, ran toward the sideline with Kelce catching sight of him out of the corner of his eye. What followed was an instant highlight-reel moment: Mahomes threw a behind-the-back pass mid-stride, and Kelce, being in the right place at the right time, made the catch.
Despite the spontaneous nature of the play, Kelce reflected on how fun it is to be part of such creative moments, especially under the leadership of head coach Andy Reid. “Football is always fun under Andy Reid, man. He lets you show your personality,” Kelce noted, emphasizing how the Chiefs maintain a balance between disciplined play and creative freedom on the field. This blend of strategy and flair has been a hallmark of the team’s recent success, culminating in their Super Bowl win last season.
Kelce also took time to praise up-and-coming players like Xavier Worthy and his tight end teammates, highlighting the chemistry and effort they bring to the field every day. With players like Noah Gray stepping up in unexpected roles—even long snapping—Kelce expressed his excitement about how each player’s versatility strengthens the team.
When asked about his affection for St. Joseph, Missouri—home to the Chiefs’ training camp—Kelce described it as his “Sanctuary.” The yearly retreat helps him focus on refining his craft while building camaraderie with his teammates. “Every single year I go out there, it really channels my mentality and focuses me on just my craft,” he explained.
As the interview wrapped up, Kelce jokingly warned fans not to let Mahomes “trick” them about what really happened on the behind-the-back pass. The friendly banter between the two stars only adds to the dynamic that has made the Chiefs one of the most entertaining teams in the league. With their unique mix of talent, creativity, and brotherhood, fans can only anticipate more thrilling plays and, as many have said, more championships on the horizon.
In the end, the behind-the-back pass might not have been scripted, but it was certainly a snapshot of the magic that Mahomes and Kelce continue to bring to the gridiron—making them a duo that keeps redefining what’s possible in the NFL.