Not a spring chicken anymore? Chiefs’ Andy Reid is not afraid to limit Travis Kelce’s load and become the ‘bad guy’ | NFL News
The Kansas City Chiefs are back on the grind, laser-focused on securing a fourth consecutive Super Bowl appearance. And at the heart of that ambition stands Travis Kelce—back for his 13th season, defying retirement rumors and pushing his limits even at 35.Kelce’s future with the team was clouded in uncertainty following a quiet end to the 2024 playoffs. After logging just 19 receiving yards against the Buffalo Bills and 39 against the Eagles in the Super Bowl loss, many speculated that the three-time Super Bowl champion might hang up his cleats. But the veteran tight end quickly put those whispers to rest during this week’s mandatory minicamp.
Travis Kelce gets special treatment from Andy Reid
“I love football. I don’t think I really thought about it that much,” Kelce told reporters after Wednesday’s session. “… I love coming in to work every single day. It wasn’t a very tough one for me. I know I’m getting older, but at the same time I still feel like I’ve got a lot I can prove in this league. With that being said, it really wasn’t that hard of a decision for me.”Despite being well into his thirties, Kelce remains a critical force in the Chiefs’ offense. In the 2024–25 season, he recorded 97 receptions, 823 yards, and three touchdowns—numbers that many younger tight ends would envy. His resume speaks volumes: 10 Pro Bowl selections, seven All-Pro honors, and more than 12,000 career receiving yards. There’s no denying Kelce’s legacy is already cemented, but he’s still hungry to build on it.Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, now entering his 27th year as an NFL head coach, has coached legends before—but Kelce is a unique case. Reid understands the delicate balance between pushing a star player and protecting his longevity.“He’s in great shape right now, so I think he’s looking forward to getting going,” Reid noted after Thursday’s practice.Asked whether Kelce’s age factors into workload management, Reid offered a lighthearted but telling response.“Listen, 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,” Reid said with a smile. “So 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. He hasn’t shown me any of that yet; he’s done really well with it.”The minicamp, which runs through Thursday, has offered a first glimpse of a focused, fired-up Kelce—clearly still enjoying every snap and every drill. For the Chiefs, his return brings not just leadership and experience, but also the emotional spark that could power them to yet another Super Bowl Sunday.As long as Kelce keeps suiting up, Kansas City remains a team no opponent can take lightly.Also Read: Josh Allen calls himself ‘a Hollywood actor’ as the reigning NFL MVP leans into stardom with his latest sleep-aid commercial
