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Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Priest Holmes congratulated tight end Travis Kelce on recording his 83rd career touchdown, which tied the Chiefs' franchise record he set in 2007, and referenced Kelce's engagement to pop superstar Taylor Swift, while speaking to TMZ Sports.
“Congratulations, Travis Kelce,” Holmes said. “You’re in good company, I can definitely say that. It’s pretty exciting to see what’s taken place as a phenomenon with the Chiefs right now, and it’s gonna be pretty awesome when he gets the chance to go across that threshold and get that 84th touchdown."
Holmes, 52, spent six of his 10 NFL seasons with the Chiefs, having recorded 83 total touchdowns (76 rushing and seven receiving) from 2001 to 2007, which he said he could someday tell his grandchildren "only took me 65 games." The interviewer said Holmes could add that the record would be broken by "Taylor Swift's husband" in the future, which led to the former All-Pro running back giving a shoutout to singer, who he said caused his daughter and grandchildren to have more interest in the team since she began dating Kelce in 2023.
“It’s pretty exciting what the Swifties have done, that phenomenon that’s taken over. Even my daughter, my grandkids, you know, they definitely are more involved with the Chiefs in football," Holmes said.
“There’s definitely lots of young ladies, young girls that are now definitely involved with football," he added.
Kelce tied Holmes' Chiefs touchdown record on a 10-yard reception from quarterback Patrick Mahomes in the third quarter of a Week 8 Monday Night Football win against the Washington Commanders at Arrowhead Stadium. The three-time Super Bowl champion reportedly mulled retirement this past offseason before opting to return for his 13th NFL season.
Kelce, 36, ranks second in receiving yards among NFL tight ends through eight games, with his brother and co-host, retired former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, pointing out that he's more than a decade older than the "other top five guys" on their New Heights podcast released on Wednesday (October 29).
“I feel younger than ever too, man,” Travis responded.
Holmes, who hosts his own podcast, The Holmes Stretch, was the 2002 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, a three-time First-team All-Pro, a three-time Pro Bowler, a two-time NFL rushing touchdowns leader, the 2001 NFL rushing yards leader, the 2002 NFL scoring leader and is a member of the Chiefs Hall of Fame.