Travis Kelce, star tight end of the Kansas City Chiefs, expressed clear disinterest in the Chiefs being labeled “America’s Team,” a title traditionally held by the Dallas Cowboys. Speaking recently about the 2025 NFL season outlook, Kelce made it evident that his loyalty remains firmly with Kansas City, reinforcing the team’s identity rather than embracing a broader national tag. With the Chiefs commanding significant prime-time attention next season, including a Thanksgiving game against the Cowboys, Kelce’s remarks highlight an ongoing rivalry and the pride he places in his own franchise.
Kelce Rejects “America’s Team” Label, Embraces Chiefs Identity
During a conversation about the Chiefs’ status and the “America’s Team” nickname, Kelce was straightforward about his perspective.
“Yeah, so I’m kind of out on just the whole America’s Team deal; I don’t give a…about that (talk),”
he said.
“I want to be in Kansas City. I want to be the Chiefs. That’s all I want to be. I’m gonna be the big bad Chiefs. Come join if you want. But America’s team? The Boys can have that if they want it.”
His comment underscores a desire to maintain the Chiefs’ distinct identity rather than adopt a label associated with their NFC rival. The Cowboys and Chiefs will face off in a highly anticipated Thanksgiving game, adding fuel to the rivalry between the two franchises.
In addition to that matchup, Kansas City will host a Christmas evening game and has seven prime-time appearances scheduled for the 2025 season—the most of any team in the league. These opportunities provide the Chiefs with a national spotlight, but Kelce’s focus remains on solidifying their local legacy and competitive stature.
In a lighter moment, Kelce and his brother shared a video of a Cowboys fan switching allegiance by covering his old Dallas tattoo with a large Chiefs logo.
“We’ll treat you right over in Chiefs Kingdom,”
Kelce said.
“We’ll make it so you will never have to cover up that Chiefs logo, dude.”
Chiefs’ Division Status and Rivalry Outlook for 2025
Looking forward to the 2025 NFL season, the Chiefs remain the dominant team in the AFC West, having claimed the division title for nine consecutive seasons. Despite all three division rivals showing potential improvement—the Denver Broncos with their promising quarterback Bo Nix, the Los Angeles Chargers under coach Jim Harbaugh’s physical approach, and the Las Vegas Raiders now led by Pete Carroll and Geno Smith—the Chiefs’ dynasty remains difficult to challenge.
Kansas City’s recent playoff experience and quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ elite offensive weapons give them an edge, even after a tough loss in their last significant game. Analysts consider the Chiefs to be one of the sturdier division winners, although the division itself has shown some vulnerabilities.
Key Roster Challenges: Offensive Line Stability
One of the most pressing concerns for Kansas City entering the 2025 season revolves around the offensive line’s left side. This area was a notable weakness in 2024, contributing to quarterback pressures and sacks. The Chiefs used the draft and free agency to address these issues, including adding Jaylon Moore, an experienced left tackle who received a $30 million investment despite limited snaps played in his career.
Meanwhile, second-round pick Kingsley Suamataia is working on transitioning to left guard, replacing the departed Joe Thuney. Suamataia struggled during the previous season, with critics pointing out significant performance issues, including numerous pressures allowed on Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs also drafted Josh Simmons in the first round, who is expected to contribute once he recovers from knee surgery.
General manager Brett Veach has highlighted the importance of improving cohesion on the left tackle and guard positions if the Chiefs hope to reclaim the highest levels of success. Performance improvements here are vital to protecting Mahomes and sustaining the offensive momentum that has defined Kansas City’s recent dynasty.
Trey Smith’s Role and Contract Outlook
Trey Smith, the Chiefs’ right guard, stands out as a dominant force on the offensive line. At 6-foot-6 and 322 pounds, his physicality and technique have earned him a reputation as one of the best guards in the NFL. Although he is playing under the franchise tag this season, which secures an average annual salary of $23.4 million, a new contract has yet to be finalized.
If Smith continues to perform at his current elite level, he positions himself to earn accolades such as All-Pro, Pro Bowl selections, and possibly the newly introduced Protector of the Year award for the best offensive lineman. Recognized by some analysts as the top guard in the league ahead of peers like Chris Lindstrom and Landon Dickerson, Smith’s presence is a crucial asset for the Chiefs.
Prospects for Josh Simmons as Offensive Line Impact Player
Josh Simmons, the Chiefs’ first-round draft pick, is regarded as a player with significant upside despite recovering from a knee injury suffered in his final college season. ESPN analyst Louis Cummings emphasized Simmons’ talent, saying,
“While his injury opened the door for other prospects to be picked before him, Simmons still should be a first-round pick and could be a top-20 selection. His physical profile and athleticism are ideal in a franchise’s cornerstone left tackle, and Simmons also has RT versatility.”
Cummings added that Simmons exhibits excellent technique in pass protection, mirroring pass rushers fluidly and using his power and agility to disrupt them. He projected Simmons as a player capable of starting immediately and gradually developing into a key impact figure for the Chiefs, assuming full recovery.
Offensive Line Depth and Roster Moves
Wanya Morris, who filled in at left tackle during his rookie year due to injuries, faced challenges in his second season when he played more extensively. His struggles in pass protection culminated in visible frustration from Mahomes. The Chiefs responded by signing veterans such as D.J. Humphries and moving Joe Thuney to a different position rather than relying on Morris or Suamataia. Given these developments and the arrival of new players like Jaylon Moore and Josh Simmons, Morris’s opportunities for redemption may be limited in 2025.
Defensive Sacks and Roster Adjustments
The Chiefs’ defense recorded a noticeable decline in sacks last season, dropping from 57 in 2023 to just 41 in 2024—their lowest total since 2021. Key factors included an injury to defensive lineman Charles Omenihu and the absence of a strong interior pass rusher beside Chris Jones, leading to easier double teams against their star defensive tackle.
In the 2025 draft, Kansas City selected rookies Omarr Norman-Lott and Ashton Gillotte to strengthen pass rush depth. With Omenihu returning from injury and defensive standouts George Karlaftis and Mike Danna motivated by contract years, there is optimism that the sack numbers will rebound. Projections estimate around 49 sacks in 2025, approaching the 50-sack mark the Chiefs topped in 2022 and 2023.
Broader NFL Context: Impact on Rival Teams and the Patriots’ Outlook
While focusing on the Chiefs, it is important to consider the shifting landscape across the NFL. The New England Patriots are undergoing substantial changes following two difficult seasons labeled as the worst under owner Robert Kraft. Firing head coach Jerod Mayo and retooling the roster and staff reflect a commitment to regaining competitiveness in the AFC East, where the Buffalo Bills have dominated for five straight years.
Kraft acknowledged responsibility for struggles with the team, calling out the challenges Mayo faced in taking on a head coaching role prematurely. The Patriots’ projected improvement this season involves reaching an 8.5-win total, signaling a desire to shorten the gap with division leaders.
Upcoming Season Projections and Significance
The 2025 NFL season promises to be pivotal for the Chiefs, who will look to maintain their place at the top of the AFC West while addressing critical roster concerns, especially on the offensive line. The team’s high-profile prime-time slate and significant matchups with rivals, including a Thanksgiving clash with the Cowboys, underscore their continued relevance and national interest.
Travis Kelce’s dismissal of the “America’s Team” label for the Chiefs highlights a player’s perspective focused on team loyalty and identity over national branding. As the Chiefs prepare for the season, their ability to integrate new players like Josh Simmons and stabilize the offensive line will determine if they can build on past successes and pursue another Super Bowl appearance.
Simultaneously, defensive adjustments and motivation tied to contract years provide an opportunity for Kansas City to regain pressure on opposing quarterbacks, which has slipped recently. Overall, the blend of veteran leadership, emerging talent, and strategic roster moves creates a compelling narrative of a team striving to sustain a hard-earned dynasty in a competitive environment.