Chiefs Reward Recent Hero With Special Pre-Game Honor

The Chiefs gave TE Noah Gray a special honor prior to the Black Friday contest against the Raiders, naming him the offensive captain.

Gray has four TDs over the last two games entering Week 13, clearly enjoying the finest stretch of his career as he blossoms into a major part of this offense. Some raised eyebrows when Kansas City re-signed him to a three-year, $18 million contract earlier this year, yet it was obviously a correct decision.

Based on being named a captain, head coach Andy Reid recognizes the growing role that Gray is fully utilizing.

Chiefs TE Noah Gray Named Honorary Captain for Raiders Game

Reid typically changes his captains each week until the postseason, letting unheralded players earn some shine and a moment in the spotlight.

Gray, DE Mike Danna and longsnapper James Winchester were the respective captains on Friday, but this moment is more about Gray than Danna or Winchester. So far this season, the 25-year-old former fifth-round pick has 27 catches for 315 yards, and four TDs.

He's emerged as one of Patrick Mahomes' most reliable weapons in recent weeks, taking pressure off of Travis Kelce and the running game. As DeAndre Hopkins continues to learn the system, expect Gray's experience to play a significant role.

While most thought fourth-round rookie Jared Wiley, who is out for the year with an injury, would be the heir apparent to Kelce, it appears Gray is being developed instead. The Chiefs made a large investment in Gray and it's impressively paying off.

We'll see if he can keep the hot streak going. If he can, the Chiefs' offense becomes all the more dangerous.

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