Travis Kelce catches Patriots receiver stealing his entire playing style: 'I like it'

Travis Kelce has spotted a familiar touch of improvisation in New England Patriots wide receiver Efton Chism, and the Kansas City Chiefs star has some valuable advice for the young player after watching him pull off an unconventional play.

Chism grabbed attention during the Patriots’ emphatic 45-17 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Facing third-and-11 in the second quarter, quarterback Drake Maye connected with Chism on a short pass.

Instead of trying to gain yards himself, the receiver immediately flipped the ball to running back TreVeyon Henderson, who advanced far enough to secure a first down.

The sequence reminded Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel of Kelce’s unpredictable approach to football. Speaking on The Greg Hill Show after the game, Vrabel joked that Chism was “acting like Kelce” because he appeared to make things up as he went along.

Kelce and his brother Jason subsequently watched the highlight on their New Heights podcast, giving the Chiefs tight end an opportunity to assess the play and share his thoughts.

“I like it,” Kelce said, praising Chism for understanding the defensive alignment and recognizing where his teammates were positioned.

Kelce offers Patriots receiver advice after creative play

Kelce suggested that Chism should direct the lateral toward Henderson’s upfield shoulder rather than throwing the ball farther backward across the field.

"Third-and-11, knowing where the ball players are, 'you guys got me but don't got him.' Easy first,” Kelce added.

“You keep it on this upfield shoulder though, bud. You keep it on his upfield shoulder. You think you got to, like, throw it back. But really, you just got to throw it down the line. That way you can keep him running and get him another nice head start.”

Despite the technical suggestion, Kelce was clearly impressed with the receiver’s instincts and willingness to think creatively under pressure.

“It's good stuff though. I like where this kid's head's at. He's a ball player,” Kelce said, expressing his approval of Chism’s approach.

According to reporting from Pats Pulpit, Vrabel clarified that the lateral was designed by the coaching staff rather than being an entirely spontaneous decision by Chism. Although the play looked improvised, it was part of the team's preparation.

Meanwhile, Kelce’s future beyond football is becoming an increasingly popular topic of discussion. NFL commentator Mike Florio has suggested that CBS, ESPN and Amazon Prime Video could compete to secure the Chiefs star as a broadcaster in 2027.