Big Yeti, Hoopsie, even the greatest tight end of all time. Travis Kelce has received plenty of nicknames during his years with the Chiefs. But does that still apply to the Kelce we know today? After the season he had last year, some would even call him finished. But Kelce has a point to prove.
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When the season ended, Travis Kelce had left his future up in the air for weeks. GM Brett Veach let him take his sweet time before committing to another season. “I really didn’t want it to end like that and I still feel like I’ve got a lot of ball left in me,” he said. Yet, as we inch closer to the season, Kelce faced setback after setback. And what started as simple tumbles in camp has led him to miss out on a key Chiefs tradition.
Now, it’s left us wondering whether the tight end could make his return to the team for another season count.
The Kansas City Chiefs gathered for the Kickoff Luncheon, an event that brings together Chiefs players, coaches, executives, and members of the Kansas City community. And for the first time in his career, Kelce, the most tenured player on this team, was missing.
“Travis Kelce is not at the Chiefs’ annual kickoff luncheon. Under the weather, per Mitch Holthus,” reported The Kansas City Star beat writer Pete Sweeney on X on September 1.
On paper, this doesn’t look like something to be worried about, especially in terms of injuries. The last time Kelce was out with sickness was right before the Super Bowl game they lost against Philadelphia. And since his Week 9 collision with Buffalo safety Cole Bishop, Kelce has looked sharp. But since arriving at training camp, Kelce has been battling his toughest rival yet: Father Time.
During practice, when cornerback Melvin Smith Jr. broke up a pass intended for Kelce, he inadvertently knocked Kelce to the ground. While the knock wasn’t too hard, the tight end struggled to get off the ground. For a player who has made a career running up the middle of the field, it was a surprise.
It’s not the first time we’re seeing signs of Kelce slowing down. Statistically speaking, the last two years were among his worst in terms of yardage. And NFL pundits are noticing.
“Like Kelce, I just feel like I don’t, I didn’t even give him points,” said sports podcaster Bill Simmons on The Ringer. “I think it’s over for him as an impact guy.”
“Travis Kelce, I don’t believe that anymore. I think he’s starting to look washed to me,” NFL podcaster Scott Ferrall said on X. “I don’t think the Chiefs should’ve signed him again. I could care less who he’s married to, Taylor Swift or otherwise!”
But if their most experienced star is slowing down, what can the Kansas City Chiefs do?
For starters, Kelce looks as motivated as ever. In his latest interview with Vogue, his confidence was crystal clear.
“I’ve had a lot of success in the NFL, but I’m still reaching for that perfection. I still haven’t played the perfect game. “Year 14, baby, I’m fired up. Every year there’s a chance to do something special, but especially coming into this year, getting Pat [Mahomes] back and wiping the slate clean.”
And the answer lies with how Kelce is used. The TE room currently has four players listed, and while that was a surprise, it could be a key factor in maximizing Kelce’s impact. While Reid has used Kelce as a blocker in the past, he could delegate those responsibilities to other tight ends, keeping Kelce on for the passing game.
That’s why Coach Reid has been careful with Kelce, managing him with restraint in camp. “You have examples like Kelce – he’s the oldest guy on the team and came out every day and worked to where you had to yank him out of there to give him a breather,” head coach Andy Reid had explained.
He has already begun the preparation this season, leaving no stone unturned. Per linebacker Nick Bolton, “Obviously he’s getting a bit older, the resiliency to show up every single day even if he doesn’t feel 100%, give as much as he can — 100% of what he has.”
And if he keeps this up, it won’t be too long before he defies Father Time and surpasses Jason Witten for the second most by a tight end in NFL history.