When you think of the offensive threat of the Kansas City Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce immediately come to mind. Going into Super Bowl LVII between the Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles, you know connection will be a priority as Andy Reid’s offense gets going.
Although the tight end position has evolved over the years, it’s rare that one is the best passing option for a quarterback on game day. But players like Kelce have helped pave the way for others to show they’re more than just a blocker or someone who can pick up a few yards off the catch.
Tight ends like Kelce make big plays.
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Travis Kelce, #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs, looks on before the AFC Championship NFL football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cincinnati Bengals at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 29, 2023, in Kansas City, Missouri. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews can say the same. In 2021, he racked up more yards than Kelce with 1,361 and nine touchdowns on 107 receptions in 17 games, making him a first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler. Even an «off year» for him saw 847 yards on 73 receptions with five touchdowns.
Despite having solid receivers on the outside, Andrews has clearly been the better option in the passing game for a couple of seasons, and he credits Kelce as someone who helped coaches realize what this position can really do. with the correct player in place.
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«It’s so legendary, that’s what it is,» Andrews told Fox News Digital, while highlighting the USAA/Association 101st Airborne Division surprise of Super Bowl LVII tickets to a 12-year military veteran. «Year after year, it’s the best of the best, and it’s a lot of fun to watch.»
Though they play different offenses (Baltimore will have to deal with a new offensive coordinator after Greg Roman was relieved of his duties), Andrews knows there’s a lot to learn from Kelce and says «he’s a lot of fun to watch.»
Mark Andrews of the Baltimore Ravens and AFC lines up against the NFC during the 2023 NFL Pro Bowl Games at Allegiant Stadium on February 5, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Jeff Bottari/Getty Images)
Andrews also knows that when kickoff happens on Sunday, Kelce will be locked up.
«Obviously [have] he played the same years he played and got to know [him] a little bit, but I know he’s going to get out of this game. It’s kind of a great game. He makes big plays when it matters,» he said.
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ARMY VETERINARIAN JOHNNY VELÁSQUEZ HONORED
Infantry Squad Sergeant Johnny Velasquez served in the US Army for 12 years, beginning his service the day John F. Kennedy was elected President in 1960.
For his service to our country, as well as to the city of San Francisco during 32 years as a police officer, Velasquez was surprised with Super Bowl tickets for himself and his wife.
«I am extremely honored to be with USAA and the Association of the 101st Airborne Division and be able to award a trip to Johnny Velasquez, someone who has served our country for 12 years, serving in Vietnam, Germany,» Andrews said. “So I’m excited to meet him, extremely excited that he’s going to the Super Bowl. But I’m also extremely excited to meet the other military members at the Salute To Service room on Saturday in Phoenix.»
Velásquez also spoke with Fox News Digital, and although he has been to ‘every [Super Bowl] Joe Montana and Steve Young came as diehard San Francisco 49ers fans, he knows this one is going to be special.
Patrick Mahomes, #15, and Travis Kelce, #87, of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrate after defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 in the AFC Championship Game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 29, 2023, in Kansas City, Missouri. (David Eulitt/Getty Images)
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«It was wonderful to hear that news. I was really honored. I was honored that USAA and the 101st Airborne Division considered me qualified to go. I think most veterans would say that. I’m not a hero, I just did my job «. I did my job in Vietnam. I did my job as a police officer for 32 years. But I’m very happy, overwhelmed and honored to go to the Super Bowl on their behalf.»