Travis Kelce gave NFL fans a sense of déjà vu with an in-game lateral that sent Kansas City Chiefs fans into a frenzy.
On a challenging 3rd and 22, Patrick Mahomes tossed a short pass to Kelce, who quickly drew defenders to the middle of the field. Kelce then executed an underhand lateral to Samaje Perine, who almost managed to secure the first down alone.
This time, the lateral was valid—unlike a year ago when Kelce’s overhand throw to Kadarius Toney, which could have been a go-ahead touchdown against the Buffalo Bills, was nullified by an offsides penalty against Toney.
Before the play, Mahomes instructed Kelce to simply get the team into field goal range, but his tight end had other plans.
“It’s like I’m talking to Sterling,” Mahomes joked after the game, referring to his 3-year-old daughter with his wife, Brittany Mahomes.
Then came the Kelce lateral, which ESPN broadcaster Troy Aikman suspected wasn’t a planned play.
What started as a routine first-and-10 drive turned into a challenging 2nd-and-34 for Kansas City after a Carson Steele fumble and a holding penalty.
A completion from Mahomes to JuJu Smith-Schuster gained 12 yards, setting the stage for a long third down.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid confirmed that it was a planned call but chose not to disclose the player’s name.
“We practice it every day, but I can’t share the name of the play,” Reid stated.
“He’s out there like he’s playing basketball, looking to make a play,” said Jason Kelce.
Ryan Clark likened Travis’ spontaneous style to that of former Baltimore Ravens defensive back Ed Reed, known for lateraling interceptions to teammates to keep plays alive.
On 4th-and-1, Kareem Hunt secured the first down.
The drive concluded with a 34-yard field goal by Harrison Butker, giving the Chiefs a 13-7 lead.
