KC Chiefs TE Travis Kelce Is Ready for Yet Another Challenge vs. Baltimore Ravens
For as many triumphs as Travis Kelce has had this season, there has also been a fair share of challenges thrown his way.
Off the field, the 34-year-old tight end saw his popularity soar through the roof due to his relationship with singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. He's been in the public eye more than ever before. On the field, he remained one of the best tight ends in all of football and likely would've logged another 1,000-yard season had he decided to play in Week 18.
With that said, Kelce also dealt with multiple injuries during the season. Heck, the first one happened before the Kansas City Chiefs' first game of the year. Down the stretch, a battered and bruised version of Kelce struggled to make an All-Pro impact and was merely one of the good tight ends rather than the best one.
It doesn't appear that he'd rather have it any other way, though. Speaking to the media on Friday, Kelce said he's embraced the new challenges.
"Yeah, I mean, it's a challenge to find new ways to have success," Kelce said. "I think that's what this year has brought for me, is that obstacle. Figuring out how I can get the best out of myself, figuring out how I can get the best out of my teammates and all at the same time, being a great leader. Bringing that energy, showing for the young guys the type of determined mindset you've got to have week in and week out. You know what, man? I love that challenge.
"I was talking to my brother the other day on the podcast. There are certain things that give you challenges in life — you've just got to be appreciative that you're getting tested because not everybody gets those opportunities. Especially when you get to do it with a group of men and women that you can rally together with and really prove to yourselves what you're made of."
Following a 12-catch, 179-yard explosion in Week 7 against the Los Angeles Chargers, Kelce had a mixed bag of production. Solid games provided glimpses of his older (younger?) self, but he also had some alarming performances elsewhere. From Week 8 until the end of the regular season, he averaged just five receptions and 51 yards per game with a single touchdown during that span.
Sitting out the final game of the regular season may have been Kelce's best football-related decision all year. In two playoff games, he's looked rejuvenated and played a significant role in both of the Chiefs' wins thus far. After a seven-catch outing on Wild Card Weekend, he had 75 yards and two touchdowns versus the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round. He's feeding off energy, regardless of where it comes from. His first road playoff game in over a half-decade was one of his best all season; Kelce says he loves that challenge, too.
"I'll tell you what, there's nothing like playoff football," Kelce said. "You could feel that same energy the week before against Miami at Arrowhead. It doesn't matter who you are or where you play... if you rally together with the men and women that you've got and the team that you've got, like I said, you can play anywhere you want to. You've got to bring that juice no matter who's in the crowd."
Since winning Super Bowl LVII last February, Kelce has taken to reflection a lot more. The combination of interview features, increased popularity and another year of age will tend to do that. These days, he's more open about his mindset while also wanting to maintain a fair level of privacy. Don't get it twisted, though, as retirement isn't in the cards despite some speculation about it in recent months.
This current iteration of Kelce may not be capable of carrying the Chiefs' offense for prolonged stretches of play. He's no longer the single most lethal open-field tight end in the sport or the shiftiest player the position has seen in years. On the flip side, he doesn't have to be. Kansas City only needs a productive Kelce for two more games to accomplish what it originally set out to do this season. When asked whether he's found something in himself while being challenged, Kelce's answer was a resounding yes.
"One thousand percent," Kelce said. "Hopefully, you'll see that on Sunday."
