Travis Kelce Breaks Down Decision to Lateral Ball After Catch, Against Andy Reid’s Wishes
Travis Kelce had a career day against the Broncos on Thursday, finishing with nine catches for 124 yards in the 19–8 victory. One of his many highlights was a lateral play that came in the first half.
After a short reception, Kelce tossed the ball to fellow Chiefs tight end Noah Gray, completing an impromptu hook and lateral.
After the game, Reid was asked if he called the play and didn’t try to hide it.
“That’s something we do every day in practice, so it didn’t surprise me that it took place,” Reid said, according to KSHB. “But that was on his own.”
Pitch drill!#DENvsKC on Prime Video
— NFL (@NFL) October 13, 2023
Also available on #NFLPlus https://t.co/U9rA3YdBnZ pic.twitter.com/PMUcZclZy9
During the latest episode of the New Heights podcast released Wednesday, Kelce explained how the play came about.
Jason Kelce, Travis's brother and center for the Eagles, asked what everyone’s reaction was in the huddle when coach Andy Reid called for a lateral play on the first drive.
Travis explained that he had been begging Reid to run a hook and lateral play but the veteran coach, like most in his position, didn't want to risk it. Undeterred, Travis took the matter into his own hands.
“I took it upon myself,” Kelce said.
The Kansas City tight end went on to explain that he caught the ball in Gray’s zone because of how the defense was playing him so he felt bad for possibly taking a catch away from his teammate. On the fly, he decided to spread the ball around and flipped it to Noah, resulting in a first down.
Coach Reid's got no choice but to put laterals in the gameplan now ????
— New Heights (@newheightshow) October 18, 2023
NEW EPISODE PREMIERES NOW: https://t.co/iVcWv7yqYz pic.twitter.com/INQ4XGpbf8
Time will tell if Reid decides to give in to Kelce and officially add the play to the Chiefs' playbook in the coming weeks.