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Kansas City, Mo. — Travis Kelce concluded the 2024 NFL season with one of the lowest outputs of his career, recording 823 yards and 3 touchdowns. At 35, often regarded as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, Kelce showed signs of decline, except for a standout mid-season performance reminiscent of his prime.
In the playoffs, Kelce made a significant impact, catching seven passes for 117 yards and a touchdown in the Division Round win against the Houston Texans, helping to lift the Chiefs’ struggling passing game into the AFC Championship.
“We’ve seen this pattern over the years,” said General Manager Brett Veach. “There may be ups and downs throughout the season, but when it matters most and the spotlight shines brightest, he always finds a way to step up.”
Turning 36 in October, the Chiefs expect Kelce to remain a key player in 2025.
“Great players know how to tap into that extra gear when needed,” Veach added. “It might not be there every week, but when it counts, they find it.”
Still, the Chiefs are working to lessen their reliance on Kelce by sharing the offensive load. At wide receiver, they expect Lacy Rice, who led the league in receptions in three games last year, to play a bigger role. They also hope for more production from Xavier Worthy, who re-signed with the team after catching 59 passes in his rookie season. The Chiefs’ tight end Noah Gray also made strides last year, hitting career highs with 40 receptions, 437 yards, and five touchdowns.
Despite this, high expectations remain for Kelce, who is in the final year of a two-year, $34.25 million contract extension signed last year.
“I want to see Travis be Travis,” quarterback Patrick Mahomes said. “He’s motivated by the goal of winning a Super Bowl, and more than anything, his leadership in the building is invaluable. From what I’ve seen, he’s ready and working hard this offseason for another big run.”
Kelce continues to play a heavy role in the Chiefs’ offense, having been on the field for 950 snaps last season—81.8% of the team’s offensive plays—his highest since 2019.
Coach Andy Reid said he doesn’t plan to reduce Kelce’s playing time. “It’s going to look a lot like last year,” Reid said. “I keep a close eye on him. Yes, he’s getting older, but he’s still the player we count on.”
After the Chiefs’ loss in Super Bowl LIX to the Philadelphia Eagles, Kelce briefly contemplated whether to return for another season. He made his decision fairly quickly, stating it wasn’t difficult because he felt he was still playing well. He also committed to a more rigorous offseason training regimen than the previous year.
“For me, that decision has to be made by early spring,” Kelce said. “That’s when you set the tone with mindset and body, then refine your skills. You have to evolve every year, no matter the stage.”
While Kelce’s stats last season didn’t quite meet his own standards, he still caught 97 passes—tying for the fourth-best mark of his career—and ranked fifth in yards among NFL tight ends, behind players like Brock Bowers and George Kittle. This was during a period when Lacy Rice and Hollywood Brown were only available for parts of games. With those two healthy and combined with Worthy and Gray, the Chiefs expect to reduce the pressure on Kelce’s catch and yardage numbers.
“We all know he’s not the same player he was in his late 20s,” Veach said. “But when he’s out there, everything runs smoother. He still draws attention because of his reputation and legacy, and having Travis on the field elevates everyone else. Even if the stats don’t reflect it, he makes those around him better.”
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Fan Take: Travis Kelce’s enduring impact, both on and off the field, is a testament to his greatness and leadership. For NFL fans, his ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments keeps the Chiefs competitive and highlights the importance of veteran presence in sustaining team success.
