As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare for the upcoming NFL season, veteran tight end Travis Kelce continues to exert significant influence through his leadership and performance on the field. Despite turning 36 this October, Kelce has chosen to push past retirement considerations, signaling his intent to contribute at a high level once again. His presence on the team offers more than direct statistics; it elevates the entire roster.
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach emphasized Kelce’s ability to deliver during crucial moments, stating that while the veteran may not maintain the same numbers as in his prime, his ability to elevate the team when it matters most remains unmatched. Veach remarked,
“There are periods throughout the season where you’re like, ‘This might be it.’ But when the games are the most important and the lights are the brightest, he finds it somewhere. The great ones know how to find it. They know where it’s buried, and they know how to access it. And they can’t access it at that age week in and week out, but when they need it, they know how to find it.”
—Brett Veach, Chiefs GM
Veach also highlighted Kelce’s ongoing value to the offense beyond pure statistics, noting that his name and legacy demand constant attention from defenders and make his teammates better.
“Having Travis on the field makes us better. I don’t know if I look at it in terms of expectations for yardage or touchdowns or catches. When he’s on the field, he makes us better. He’s also a guy who makes the people around him better.”
—Brett Veach, Chiefs GM
Leadership and High Expectations from Chiefs’ Coaching Staff and Players
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and star quarterback Patrick Mahomes share strong confidence in Kelce’s ability to remain a top contributor, especially through his leadership qualities. Mahomes described Kelce’s impact both on and off the field, saying,
“I expect Travis to be Travis. Obviously, the play on the field’s going to be high. He’s going to go out there with the mentality that we’re trying to win the Super Bowl this year with us falling short this last year. Then, I think more than anything, it’s the leadership that he brings to the building every single day. How he leads by example and how he leads vocally, it’s a big impact on our football team, so I expect him to play at a high level and then be an even better leader. From what I’ve seen … he’s ready to go. He’s been putting in the work this offseason, and he’s excited for another chance to make a run at it.”
—Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs QB
Reid echoed the sentiment, acknowledging Kelce’s age but believing it has not yet hindered his performance.
“It’ll be similar to last year. He’s in great shape right now, so I think he’s looking forward to getting going. I always watch him. I always keep an eye on him. I know he’s getting older. He doesn’t know he’s getting older, but I do. I can be the bad guy in some cases there, if needed. If I think it’s catching up to him a little bit, I’ll pull off and put him where he needs to be. Other than that, he hasn’t showed me any of that yet. He’s done really well with it.”
—Andy Reid, Chiefs HC
Kelce himself reflected on his preparations for maintaining a competitive edge, explaining that the decision to continue playing is rooted in a carefully planned regimen and ongoing development.
“That decision for me needs to be made back in March or early April. You set the tone and put a regimen together that gets your mindset and gets your body [right], and really from there you can start to tweak your skill set. So it’s just everything involved. You have to evolve every single year in all phases of the game. So you already know that started back in March, and so far we’re on track.”
—Travis Kelce, Chiefs TE
Contextualizing Kelce’s Impact Within the Broader NFL Landscape
While much attention is given to Kelce’s continued excellence, other teams are also adjusting their strategies and building around leadership and performance. For instance, the Denver Broncos recently hired Darren Rizzi as their special teams coordinator following a six-year tenure with the New Orleans Saints. Rizzi praised Broncos return specialist Marvin Mims, whom he had admired while in New Orleans and expects to see significant contributions from this season.
Rizzi highlighted the changes in kickoff rules that may increase return opportunities, stating,
“We [the New Orleans Saints] watched him from afar, obviously played against the Broncos last year and had a chance to study him. He’s a guy that seemed to show up on the plays of the week film every week. We would show our players great special teams plays from around the league, so I’ve always admired him. I remember him in the draft process because we had a high grade on him coming out, so now to get a chance to work with him, and work together with him [is] really exciting. There’s still a lot of things he can do. I don’t know if this kickoff return is getting as much publicity as it should. I think it’s really going to change the game for the entire league this year.”
—Darren Rizzi, Broncos ST Coordinator
He anticipates a “dramatic increase in returns” this season due to strategic shifts in kickoff dynamics.
“You look back last year, if I’m not mistaken, he had single-digit kick returns and people were just kicking touchbacks. This year, the analytics are going to tell you to put the ball in play, so I think he’ll get more opportunities. I think the guy that’s back there with him is going to get a lot of opportunities because I’m sure they’ll try to play keep away from him as well. He’s been a great leader with our younger guys, and I’m really excited to work with him during the season.”
—Darren Rizzi, Broncos ST Coordinator
Similarly, the Los Angeles Chargers are developing young talent like second-round wide receiver Tre Harris, who expressed excitement about playing alongside quarterback Justin Herbert and adapting to professional demands. Harris praised Herbert’s precision, saying,
“His ball placement, his attention to detail with everything is supreme. I’m super excited to be able to play with a quarterback like that. Every throw he’s made to me has been right on the money. If it’s on the money, I’m going to make the catch.”
—Tre Harris, Chargers WR
Harris is diligently learning new terminology and refining his understanding, stating,
“For me, the biggest challenge is just learning the different terminology. You want to call it a hitch, but it’s called something else. Certain different routes and just calling it the right terminology. Just understanding it and putting it into your brain and making each thing connect. That’s really been the biggest point of emphasis I’ve been working on. Making sure whenever I get this play call, it sticks in my brain and I’m not thinking about it or second-guessing myself.”
—Tre Harris, Chargers WR
Wide receivers coach Sanjay Lal has been key in shaping Harris’s transition from college to the NFL, teaching him speed and mental toughness. Harris shared,
“One thing he taught me already is just speed off the ball and just being super fast into the defense and not worrying about the defense. Not letting the defense dictate your route. It’s not, ‘I have to get open.’ They got to cover me. That’s the mindset I’ve taken from him, that’s the mindset I’m real glad to get from him.”
—Tre Harris, Chargers WR
The Importance of Leadership Skills Alongside Athletic Performance
Across various NFL teams, players who combine strong leadership with skillful performance continue to be invaluable assets. Travis Kelce exemplifies this dynamic in Kansas City, where his experience and influence provide stability and motivation to younger teammates. His ability to perform under pressure and lead vocally strengthens the Chiefs’ pursuit of another championship.
Kelce’s ongoing commitment to evolving his game each year, coupled with the respect and backing from key team figures like Veach, Reid, and Mahomes, ensures he will remain central to the Chiefs’ offense. The trust placed in him by the organization reflects his reputation as not just a great player but also a great leader who can inspire those around him.
As the NFL season approaches, Kelce’s leadership and performance will be critical not only for Kansas City’s aspirations but also as a model of longevity and adaptation in professional football. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see how he continues to balance age-related challenges with elite playmaking and mentorship.