Travis Kelce Confesses He Was Holding on Patrick Mahomes' TD in Chiefs' Win vs. Broncos

It is often said that there is holding on nearly every play in the NFL, and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce admitted this week that he got away with it on Monday night.

Speaking Wednesday on his New Heights podcast (h/t Pro Football Talk's Michael David Smith), Kelce acknowledged that he was fortunate to not be called for holding on quarterback Patrick Mahomes' 15-yard rushing touchdown during KC's 31-10 home win over the Denver Broncos in Week 1:

"It was definitely a questionable play," Kelce said. "That's one of those where you get up slowly like, 'Please don't be any laundry on the field.' I had the man up by his neck. Can't do it. Can't do it. Almost cost us. That would've been Patrick Mahomes' second rushing touchdown called back in two plays, it was the same thing. That would've taken us out of the red zone. That was risky business. You know what? Sometimes you're just living right."

As seen in the video of Mahomes' touchdown run, Kelce did appear to get away with a hold on Broncos safety Talanoa Hufanga, as he essentially grabbed Hufanga's collar.

Mahomes had just gotten a touchdown run called back for holding on the previous play, as offensive tackles Kahlil Benson and Jaylon Moore were both whistled for the infraction.

The superstar quarterback's touchdown run on the ensuing play was significant since Mahomes is coming off a torn ACL suffered last season and showed that he is at least close to full health.

▶️ Full Broncos-Chiefs Recap

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Regardless of the holding call that wasn't, the Chiefs were clearly the better team on Monday night, out-gaining the Broncos 392-176.

Mahomes accounted for three total touchdowns, running back Kenneth Walker III rushed for 173 yards and scored two total touchdowns in his Chiefs debut, and Kelce led the team with 71 yards on three receptions, bolstered by a 59-yard catch and run.

After surprisingly missing the playoffs last season, the Chiefs will attempt to continue their strong start to the 2026 season on Sunday night when they host the Indianapolis Colts.