Travis Kelce returned to the Kansas City Chiefs’ field on Tuesday as the team started their mandatory minicamp following several weeks of OTAs, generating diverse responses from fans. This moment reignited debate over Kelce’s current form and effectiveness as a leading player.
Varied Fan Opinions on Kelce’s Minicamp Performance
Taylor Burr, a reporter for Fox’s Kansas City affiliate WDAF 4, shared video footage of the star tight end during minicamp workouts, which drew a range of reactions on social media. Some expressed skepticism about Kelce’s stamina and conditioning this season, with one fan commenting,
“He’s already out of breath lmao,”
and another predicting,
“This is a 4th grade work out – dude is going to flop.”
Conversely, several supporters remained optimistic, noting his readiness and physical shape. Praise included remarks like
“87 looks slim trim and ready to dominate,”
and “Killatrav is SO ready.” Another fan enthusiastically cheered, “Let’s go TK,” while others questioned,
“Does he look slimmer like he said he would be?”
These contrasting views reflect the uncertainty surrounding Kelce’s ability to maintain his elite level amid signs of decline.
Insights from Former NFL Player on Kelce’s Status
On FS1’s program The Facility, former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Emmanuel Acho advised opponents not to underestimate Kelce despite suggestions of diminished speed. Acho stated,
“I think he’s lost a step… but give me one more year to truly confirm whether he’s no longer the great Travis Kelce. Let Travis Kelce confirm that he’s lost a step, then you can no longer fear the Chiefs. This year I’m still going to fear him.”
Significant Drop in Kelce’s Ranking for the 2025 Season
Kelce’s struggles in 2024 have been well documented, including what appears to be the most challenging season of his career apart from his injury-shortened rookie year. He totaled only 823 receiving yards and scored three touchdowns on 97 catches, marking a notable dip in productivity.
This downturn contributed to a steep fall in his standing on CBS analyst Pete Prisco’s 2025 Top 100 Players list, where Kelce plummeted 78 spots from 18th to 96th. Prisco commented,
“Age started to look like it was impacting Kelce’s play last season as he didn’t look to be the same player. There were moments, but the consistency wasn’t there. He had 97 catches, but he averaged just 8.5 per catch, the lowest of his career, which is not a good sign for a 35-year-old.”
Despite this decline, Kelce remained one of five tight ends recognized on the list. Brock Bowers of the Las Vegas Raiders earned the highest ranking among tight ends after setting the franchise’s single-season receptions record as a rookie, even while playing under difficult conditions with a rotating quarterback lineup including Aidan O’Connell, Gardner Minshew, and Desmond Ridder.
The Road Ahead for Kelce and the Chiefs
The reactions to Kelce’s minicamp return and his ranking slide underscore a critical period for both the player and the Kansas City Chiefs. As a veteran at age 35, Kelce faces mounting pressure to prove he can still perform at an elite level, with fans and analysts closely watching for signs of resilience or decline. The 2025 season may well determine if Kelce can silence doubts and continue as a cornerstone for the Chiefs’ offense.