Chiefs' Travis Kelce still having fun as he enters 13th season
Kelce embracing veteran role on team
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is set to enter his 13th professional seasons.
That’s a lot of training camps for the 35-year-old Kelce, whose playing days might be nearing an end.
As for his fondest camp memory over the past decade or so, Kelce wasn’t about to share anything to provide a hint on when he might be hanging up his cleats.
“Man, ask me that when I retire,” Kelce said Wednesday with a slight grin before stepping away from the microphone.
While the Chiefs’ star tight end didn’t reminisce on days gone by or even entertain the thought, it’s no secret he’s at an age when most NFL players decide to walk away from the game.
Kelce’s own brother, Jason, retired in March 2024 after 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Even the great Rob Gronkowski, a player many sometimes compared to Kelce, retired after 11 accomplished seasons.
Kelce, though, has publicly kept his focus on the upcoming season as the Chiefs remain one of the NFL’s elite teams and are seeking another run at the Super Bowl.
He remains one of the elite players in the league and has topped 90 or more receptions in seven straight seasons.
Kelce has also embraced more of a mentorship role as one of the Chiefs’ established veterans.
“I’ve been lucky to be here with my 13th year now,” Kelce said. “I just absolutely love this organization. I love the team; I love all the coaches. I know just about every defensive coach as well as I know the offensive coaches, and vice versa with the players and the staff in the equipment room.
“I have fun coming into work every single day. What better way to get better than to make sure that we lean on each other. And if I can give somebody a word that makes them better on that specific route or doing that specific drill, I’m here for it.”
In the meantime, don’t bother guessing when Kelce decides to walk away from the game.
Instead, take his approach by enjoying the moment.
“Football has always been my biggest driving force I’ve ever had,” Kelce said. “I love coming out here and focusing on this and getting better for another run, and hopefully a Super Bowl.”
ANOTHER ONE DOWN
The Chiefs are already practicing without wide receiver Hollywood Brown (ankle) and are now down another starter.
Rashee Rice didn’t practice Wednesday because of a groin injury, the Chiefs announced after practice.
Rice was observed working off to the side with trainers.
PARTICIPATION
In addition to Brown and Rice, cornerback Kristian Fulton (knee), linebacker Drue Tranquill (back) and rookie tight end Jake Briningstool (hamstring) didn’t practice.