The Chiefs’ management is aware that Travis Kelce is aiming to surpass his father’s legacy.
At 35, the tight end is entering his 13th NFL season after experiencing a dip in his performance last year—recording 823 yards in 2024 compared to 984 in 2023, along with other significant declines. Chiefs general manager Brett Veach mentioned to ESPN that even though Kelce might be showing signs of age, he still proves his worth when it counts.
“We’ve witnessed it over the past few years,” Veach remarked. “There are moments when he shines throughout the season. But when the stakes are highest and the lights are on, he steps up.”
Kelce has embraced the heightened attention that comes with his relationship with Taylor Swift and has drawn focus following a relatively subdued offensive season earlier this year, where he logged just three touchdowns—an underwhelming figure compared to his five in 2023.
His 823 yards represent the lowest total of his career in a full season.
Then, in Super Bowl 2025, the defending champions were outplayed, suffering a 40-22 loss to the Eagles.
The Pro Bowl tight end managed only four catches for 39 yards during that game.
Later, he dispelled retirement rumors by staying active with workouts in Florida over the offseason.
“Great players know how to dig deep,” Veach commented about Kelce. “They understand where their strengths lie, how to access them. It may not always be evident, but when needed, they find a way.”
Previously at the 2025 NFL Combine, Veach noted that Kelce has “that fire and desire to play,” hinting at his competitive spirit.
Kelce still has a year left on his contract, and the Chiefs are working to enhance their offense.
Kansas City’s scoring averaged 22.7 points per game last season (12th best), with slightly better numbers in previous years—23.1 points in both 2022 and 2023 (14th) and 29.4 in 2021 (4th best).
The Chiefs will face their divisional rivals, the Chargers, in the opening week of the new season.
