Underrated KC Chiefs playmaker stepping out of Travis Kelce's shadow to take the next step in his NFL career
Kansas City Chiefs TE Noah Gray has emerged as one of Patrick Mahomes' most trusted targets during the 2024 NFL season, putting him on the verge of taking the next step in his NFL career. Gray signed a multi-year contract extension at the onset of the 2024 NFL season, which turned out to be a prescient […]
Kansas City Chiefs TE Noah Gray has emerged as one of Patrick Mahomes' most trusted targets during the 2024 NFL season, putting him on the verge of taking the next step in his NFL career. Gray signed a multi-year contract extension at the onset of the 2024 NFL season, which turned out to be a prescient move from GM Brett Veach.
Among players on the Chiefs' 53-man roster, Gray ranks third in catches (23) and receiving yards (249). He's tied for second in touchdowns (2) and receiving first downs (17). His 88.5% catch rate is the highest among Chiefs receivers this season with 20 or more catches. With seven games to go in the regular season, Gray needs six more receptions, 51 receiving yards, and one more touchdown to surpass his previous season highs in each mark.
In Week 11 against the Buffalo Bills, Gray's consistency was apparent. Patrick Mahomes found Gray for a two-yard touchdown reception to give the Chiefs a 14-13 lead. Gray caught another touchdown pass to pull the Chiefs within two during the fourth quarter. It marked Gray's first career multi-touchdown performance, bringing his total to seven touchdowns. His four receptions in the game tied a single-game career-high.
What's clear is that Gray is on the cusp of a career year.
“He does everything the right way," Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes said of Gray on Wednesday. "He’s learned a ton from Trav (Travis Kelce) and so he knows how to kind of work within the rules of the offense and get himself open. He’s just a guy that’s going to be in the right spot so as a quarterback you know if you’re going to give him the football, he’s going to make the play happen."
An example of Gray doing everything the right way? After the Week 11 loss to the Bills, he was asked about his performance in the game. His answer: "It doesn't really matter, because the only thing I think that does matter is the win."
"He’s not going to talk a lot," Mahomes continued. "He’s going to come in – he’s going to come to work, do his job, but at the same time, those are the guys you want on your team because you know that he’s going to do whatever it takes to win.”
Gray has been overshadowed by fellow tight end Travis Kelce over the past three years, which shouldn't be viewed as a negative. Most are overshadowed while playing next to a future Hall of Famer. He's been waiting patiently for his time and he's right there.
The 25-year-old is pacing for career highs in every way, but more importantly, he's proven vital to winning game plans for Kansas City. Week 11 got away from the team, but that's not Gray's fault. It would've been a lot worse if not for Gray. Expect that he'll continue to get more opportunities on offense given what he's accomplished so far in 2024.
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