Travis Kelce may have contemplated walking away after the Kansas City Chiefs’ most recent Super Bowl loss, but sports analyst Stephen A. Smith believes there’s a deeper motivation behind the veteran tight end’s return.
Despite the toll of another demanding NFL season and signs of aging, Kelce appears more determined than ever to bounce back-and Smith is here for it.
Speaking on ESPN’s First Take, Smith shared his thoughts on the eight-time Pro Bowler’s mindset: “If Travis Kelce retired tomorrow, he could still moonwalk into Canton… But there’s something about getting ‘beat down’ in the Super Bowl, and it’s keeping No. 87 up at night.”
Smith added: “Those words that he just echoed personified and reaffirmed why he is the champion that he is.”
Following a subpar performance in the playoffs and a stinging 40-22 defeat, Kelce admitted he was frustrated with himself and questioned his physical edge. “There were days where he looked at himself and you know it ain’t what it used to be,” he confessed.
However, those struggles have lit a fire under the three-time Super Bowl winner, pushing him into a rigorous offseason program in hopes of returning stronger than ever.
Reid to manage Kelce’s workload cautiously
Kansas City head coach Andy Reid remains keenly aware of the impact of age on his star tight end. While Kelce is still considered elite, Reid is taking a pragmatic approach to how much responsibility he places on the 34-year-old this coming season.
“I know he’s getting older. He doesn’t know he’s getting older, but I do,” Reid said. “I can be the bad guy… if I think it’s catching up to him.”
Although Kelce has been hard at work and reportedly dropped nearly 25 pounds, Reid has made it clear that he will prioritize long-term health over short-term results. Still, the coach noted that no warning signs have surfaced just yet, and Kelce continues to look sharp in training.
For Kelce, his renewed motivation goes beyond the physical. He told The Pat McAfee Show, “Gonna try and get to the best shape I’ve been this offseason … got a real bad taste in my mouth with how I played … I can’t go out like that!!!!”
He also dismissed any rumors that he seriously considered retirement, stating, “I love football … It wasn’t a very tough one for me.”
Kelce after redemption, not retirement
The 2024 season may shape up to be a defining one for Kelce. After years of dominance, his focus has shifted from proving doubters wrong to proving something to himself.
Analyst Stephen A. Smith views Kelce’s return not just as a continuation of his career, but a mission to end it on his own terms: “That loss is living rent-free in his head. He’s not chasing fame or records-he’s chasing redemption.”
As Reid wisely monitors his star’s workload, the Chiefs’ offense will likely be adjusted to keep Kelce fresh for late-season form. With postseason success as the ultimate goal, the team will need to strike a balance between preserving their veteran and leveraging his talents when it matters most.
Kelce’s return isn’t about extending his prime – it’s about rewriting how it ends. Whether this season ends in triumph or heartbreak, one thing is clear: Travis Kelce still has unfinished business.
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