Travis Kelce is demonstrating that longevity and performance can coexist at the highest level of the NFL as the Kansas City Chiefs tight end prepares for his 13th season in the sport and shrugs off talk he might be too old to compete.
The 35-year-old has been linked with retirement at the end of his current contract at the end of the 2025/26 campaign, but according to both player and his head coach Andy Reid, the veteran isn’t slowing down, he’s only getting stronger.
“I still feel like I can play it at a high level and possibly at a higher level than I did last year,” Kelce said, a statement is now being backed by his performances during preseason training.
He has reportedly shown the kind of explosiveness that defined his earlier years. That’s part of why the 66-year-old Reid couldn’t help but praise Kelce’s condition, stating, “He’s svelte right now. He looks like he’s 20. He’s doing a great job. He’s in great shape.”
The three-time Super Bowl champion has been the subject of media attention for more than just football, thanks to his high-profile relationship with pop star Taylor Swift.
But despite the distractions and the passage of time, his dedication to the game hasn’t wavered and his offseason training resulted in a notable physique change as he drops excess pounds to cut a leaner frame.
So, it was no surprise that during recent drills, Kelce impressed with a 40-yard touchdown burst and maintained strong chemistry with his long-time friend and quarterback, Patrick Mahomes.
“You can see he’s been working out,” Reid added. “You saw him yesterday on the long run where he had the burst.
“He’s done a nice job. He’s worked hard to get to this spot.”
Although 2024 was underwhelming for Kelce, as he produced 823 receiving yards and only three touchdowns, his current form suggests retirement is still an unthinkable prospect for the veteran.
And the NFL analyst and sports producer, Nick Jacobs, even commented on the renewed energy Kelce has brought to training camp as he looks to regain his status as a champion of the sport.
“For those wondering about Travis Kelce,” Jacobs said. “Yes he has his old burst back and showcased it on a handful of catches.
“His over the middle routes looked trademark Kelce.”
Kelce says it’s Chiefs or nothing in NFL future
Rumors had circulated that Kelce lost up to 25 pounds in the offseason, and while the 10-time Pro Bowler dismissed those claims, he did hint at a more controlled approach to fitness, dropping some weight to be more agile.
This focus appears to be paying off. He looks leaner and more mobile, with the same playmaking instincts that have made him a central figure in the Chiefs’ offensive success – a place where he plans to end his career.
“I love coming in to work every single day,” Kelce said. “It wasn’t a very tough one for me. I know I’m getting older.
“But at the same time I still feel like I’ve got a lot I can prove in this league. With that being said, it really wasn’t that hard of a decision for me.”
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