Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs’ star tight end, is gearing up for his 13th NFL season following a bittersweet Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Known widely for his competitive spirit, Kelce’s performance last season saw a decline, as he recorded his lowest numbers in targets, catches, yards, and touchdowns since 2018. Despite this, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach remains optimistic about Kelce’s potential to shine when the stakes are high.
“We’ve all seen it over the last few years,” Veach commented. “There are periods throughout the season where you’re like, ‘This might be it.’ But when the games are the most important and the lights are the brightest, he finds it somewhere.”
At 35 years old, Kelce expressed aspirations for a resurgence, particularly eyeing a stronger performance in 2025, which played a role in his decision to continue playing. He has said, “I really didn’t feel like it was my last game. Just felt like I’ve got a lot more to prove,” highlighting his passion and determination to make an impact despite the inevitable passage of time.
Although Kelce opted to sit out the offseason’s organized team activities, he participated in the mandatory minicamp and has been committed to improving this year. Patrick Mahomes, Kelce’s quarterback, emphasized that Kelce’s attitude reflects a focus on growth rather than resignation. Mahomes stated, “The way he’s talking about working and trying to be even better this year than he was last year… he’s motivated to go out there and have an even better year.”
This dedication hints at a hopeful season ahead for both Kelce and the Chiefs, as they aim to reclaim their position among the NFL’s elite teams. Kelce’s ability to rebound could be crucial for Kansas City’s offense, especially as they aim to build on past successes.