Travis Kelce might’ve had a slow start this season, but Tony Gonzalez’s warning the NFL: Something big’s coming! While the Chiefs star tight end’s performance so far hasn’t been something to go all GAGA over, the league better watch out. 

NFL insider Kyle Brandt tweeted a warning from Gonzalez himself: “He’s gonna start heating up. You’re going to see the old Travis.” Last Sunday, Kelce (all-time receiving yards record of 11,486) made history, breaking Gonzalez’s long-standing KC record for most career receptions. Earlier in the second quarter of the Chiefs’ 17-10 win over the Chargers, the three-time Super Bowl champ tallied his 922nd career reception (beating Gonzalez’ 916 mark). What a moment it was!

Travis Kelce reflected on this achievement during his New Heights podcast, calling it a full-circle moment. “Not only being in conversations with Tony, but being at the top of the leaderboard with the Kansas City Chiefs… it’s just an honor, man,” the 35-year-old said, showing his deep appreciation. Tony Gonzalez, who’s spent over a decade in Kansas City redefining the TE position, has been a mentor to Kelce for most of his career. And Trav made it clear just how much that relationship means to him. “Tony, I love you brother… I’ve tried my entire career to match what he was to this organization,” he added.

But while Kelce’s record-breaking moment’s worth the buzz, Gonzalez’s more focused on what’s ahead. The nine-time Pro Bowl TE’s slow start to the season (by his standards, obviously!) hasn’t gone unnoticed, but the ex-Chiefs’ champ doesn’t think it’s a sign of things to come. Quite the opposite. He believes Kelce’s about to turn up the heat and get back to his usual dominant form.

And Gonzalez didn’t stop there. He even threw in some thoughts on Falcons TE Kyle Pitts, claiming Pitts should be “scoring 10 touchdowns a year.” As the Chiefs look to build momentum, they’re confident that Travis Kelce will start clicking—and based on Gonzalez’s prediction, that moment’s just around the corner. 

Chiefs confident Travis Kelce’s production will heat up 

The Chiefs (sitting at 3-0) are confident the star TE’s production will bounce back when it matters most. Through the first three games, Kelce’s stat line—just 69 yards on eight catches—wasn’t exactly OMG. Patrick Mahomes has been spreading the ball around, especially after WR Rashee Rice’s ACL injury. 

Head coach Andy Reid’s dismissing any chatter about Travis Kelce slowing down. “I know people are saying he’s old or distracted, but defenses don’t think that,” Reid said. Old, seriously? The 35-year-old still runs routes at top speed (just ask his GPS!)

In fact, Kelce’s leadership’s quietly paying off behind the scenes. His extra guidance helped Rice carve up zone defenses, showing that the TE’s impact ain’t just measured in stats. With rookie Xavier Worthy making solid plays and a strong run game in the mix, the Chiefs are confident in their balance moving forward.

Kelce, for his part, is in no rush to force the ball his way. Sources say he’s told coaches to keep spreading it around. He’s playing the long game, knowing Kansas City will need him at full strength when it’s playoff time. Last year, his postseason performance—355 yards and three TDs—was key to the Chiefs’ Super Bowl run.

“Trav is fine,” Reid said. “He works his tail off. He hasn’t lost a step.” With the Chiefs eyeing the historic three-peat, Travis Kelce’s right in the mix.