Noah Gray Steps Out of Travis Kelce’s Shadow with Big Plays for the Chiefs
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — When you think of the Kansas City Chiefs, one name immediately comes to mind: Travis Kelce. The superstar tight end has been a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ offense for years, and his connection with quarterback Patrick Mahomes is the stuff of legend. But on Sunday, it was another tight end who stole the spotlight: Noah Gray.
Gray, often overshadowed by Kelce’s larger-than-life presence, is quietly carving out a role for himself in Kansas City’s high-powered offense. And if you weren’t paying attention before, you certainly are now. On the game’s opening possession against the Carolina Panthers, Gray made a statement. He hauled in a 35-yard touchdown pass from Mahomes, giving the Chiefs an early 7-0 lead and setting the tone for the game.
It wasn’t just a fluke, either. Gray has been on a roll lately. In last week’s game against the Buffalo Bills, he snagged two touchdown passes, proving that he’s more than capable of being a reliable target for Mahomes. While Kelce remains the undisputed star, Gray is showing that the Chiefs’ tight end room is deeper than most people realize.
Breaking Down the Numbers
Let’s talk stats, because Gray’s performance isn’t just about flashy plays—it’s backed up by the numbers. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Gray had an incredible 11.9 yards of separation on his touchdown catch against the Panthers. That’s not just impressive; it’s historic. It’s the most yards of separation on a Chiefs receiving touchdown in the last two seasons. Think about that for a second. In an offense loaded with speedsters and playmakers, it’s Gray who holds that distinction.
Here’s why that matters: separation is a key indicator of a receiver’s ability to get open, and it’s something that Mahomes can exploit. With Gray creating that kind of space, it makes life a lot easier for the reigning MVP. And for a team with Super Bowl aspirations, having another weapon in the arsenal is a big deal.
Social Media Buzz
Of course, the internet wasted no time reacting to Gray’s big play. The Chiefs’ official Twitter account shared a clip of the touchdown, captioned simply, “Mahomes to Gray on the early TD!” The post quickly racked up likes and retweets, with fans praising Gray for stepping up in a big moment. It’s clear that Chiefs Kingdom is starting to take notice of the young tight end.
Mahomes to Gray on the early TD!
📺: #KCvsCAR on CBS/Paramount+
Why Gray’s Emergence Matters
So, what does this mean for the Chiefs moving forward? For one, it gives Mahomes another reliable option in the passing game. Kelce is still the go-to guy, but defenses are going to have a hard time focusing all their attention on him if Gray continues to produce at this level. It also speaks to the depth of Kansas City’s roster. In a league where injuries and fatigue can derail a season, having multiple playmakers is a huge advantage.
Here’s a quick recap of why Noah Gray’s rise is significant:
- He’s proving to be a reliable red-zone target, with three touchdown catches in the last two games.
- His ability to create separation (11.9 yards on his latest TD) adds a new dimension to the Chiefs’ offense.
- He’s stepping up at a time when the Chiefs are looking to solidify their position as Super Bowl contenders.
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, it’ll be interesting to see how the Chiefs continue to utilize Gray. Will he become a consistent part of the game plan, or will his role fluctuate depending on the matchup? Either way, one thing is clear: Noah Gray is no longer just “the other tight end” in Kansas City. He’s a playmaker in his own right, and he’s earning the trust of one of the best quarterbacks in the game.
For now, Chiefs fans can sit back and enjoy the show. With Mahomes slinging the ball and Gray making plays, the future looks bright in Kansas City. And who knows? Maybe the next time you think of the Chiefs’ tight ends, it won’t just be Kelce’s name that comes to mind.
Originally Written by: Adam Teicher
