Travis Kelce acknowledged that his production has dipped over the past two seasons and said some of the blame lies with his growing off-field commitments. In a candid interview with GQ, the 35-year-old Chiefs tight end conceded his focus shifted as new opportunities in entertainment and acting emerged, and that shift coincided with the first back-to-back seasons of his career without a 1,000-yard receiving campaign. Last season also marked the first time his yards per catch fell below 10.
Kelce did not regret exploring those opportunities, which include his hit podcast New Heights with his brother, film and TV cameos, and increased visibility thanks in part to his relationship with Taylor Swift. Still, he said his pride in his preparation and performance makes the recent drop-off hard to accept. “I never want the product to tail off, and I feel like these past two years haven’t been to my standard,” Kelce said. “I just have such a motivation to show up this year for my guys.”
To reclaim that standard, Kelce spent the summer training in South Florida with longtime trainer Tony Villani — the coach who prepared him for the NFL Combine and much of his early career before Kelce moved his offseason base to Los Angeles. Kelce moved to L.A. in part to pursue off-field opportunities, but after speculation about retirement following Kansas City’s Super Bowl loss to the Eagles, he quickly announced he would return for another season with one clear objective: win another Super Bowl.
While Kelce remains productive and continues to be a central figure in the Chiefs’ offense, the difference between elite and merely very good has been noticeable for a player who spent so long at the top of his position. Reuniting with Villani and recommitting to the training regimen that fueled his peak years is Kelce’s plan to regain that elite level and extend his Hall of Fame trajectory.
Additional comments and context:
– Veteran athletes commonly face the challenge of balancing expanding careers outside their sport with maintaining peak physical performance. Kelce’s move to L.A. and his entertainment commitments are typical of high-profile players cultivating second careers, and the timing of that shift aligns with the dip in his on-field numbers he described.
– Returning to a proven trainer and to a training environment focused on football-specific preparation is a logical step for a veteran seeking to restore explosiveness and consistency. Emphasis on targeted strength work, sprint mechanics, recovery protocols, and play-specific conditioning often yields measurable improvements, especially for a player with Kelce’s skill base and experience.
– Kelce’s leadership and football IQ remain valuable assets for Kansas City. Even if production doesn’t immediately return to career highs, his presence can influence scheming, matchup advantages for teammates, and the Chiefs’ overall offense.
Short summary:
Travis Kelce acknowledged his performance dip over the past two seasons and partly attributed it to increased off-field pursuits. After spending the summer training with longtime coach Tony Villani in South Florida, Kelce has recommitted to getting back to his previous standard as he returns to the Chiefs with the goal of winning another Super Bowl.
Hopeful angle:
Kelce’s candid assessment and proactive steps — returning to a trusted trainer and explicitly recommitting to his preparation — suggest a player intent on restoring his elite form. With his experience, work ethic and leadership, there’s a strong chance he can recapture much of the playmaking ability that made him one of the game’s premier tight ends, while continuing to build his off-field career in a more balanced way.