As the Kansas City Chiefs wrapped up their mandatory minicamp on Thursday, all eyes naturally turned to training camp and the road ahead. But as always with the defending champs, there was one name hovering over the conversation: Travis Kelce.
After months of retirement speculation, the 35-year-old tight end confirmed he’s not done yet. He’s suiting up for what could be his final season under contract – and while that put fans at ease, it raised another question: just how much are the Chiefs planning to use Kelce in 2025?
Despite a dip in production last season – 823 yards and only three touchdowns, his lowest since 2015 – Andy Reid isn’t sounding any alarms.
“Yeah, I’m not really feeling that,” Reid said when asked if Kelce’s role might change. “More be similar to last year, I would imagine, as it goes. He’s in great shape right now.”
Kelce has looked sharp this offseason, continuing to anchor the tight end room and serve as a vocal leader for a roster that’s always chasing more. But the reality is, at 35, it’s fair to wonder how long the Chiefs can rely on him as a weekly workhorse.
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Still, Reid isn’t the type to blindly push his players. And when it comes to Kelce, he’s watching closely – even if the player himself isn’t ready to admit that age is a factor.
“I always keep an eye on him,”Reid said. “I know he’s getting older – he doesn’t know he’s getting older – but I do. So I can be the bad guy in some cases, there, if needed.”
Reid didn’t sound concerned. In fact, his confidence in Kelce’s conditioning and readiness suggests the plan is to keep the veteran involved in all the ways that matter – but with a little more discretion. Fewer snaps? Maybe. But fewer big moments? Not likely.
Kelce, who hasn’t spoken publicly since minicamp opened, has reportedly put retirement talk on pause. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the decision to return was all about passion for the game – and unfinished business.
So, what’s next? Training camp, the grind, and another chance for the Kelce-Mahomes connection to define a season. And if there’s ever a moment where Kelce needs rest, Reid’s already made it clear: he’ll step in, no matter how unpopular that call might be.
Because sometimes, coaching greatness means knowing when to say no – even to a legend.
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