Despite Entering Year 14, Travis Kelce Is Still Focused on Improving for Chiefs

At a certain point in the career of an eventual Hall of Fame player, they cross over the threshold of having absolutely nothing left to prove to the outside world. For Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, that moment was likely several years ago.

Despite boasting one of the game's top statistical profiles for his position and putting out some of the best tape in tight end history, Kelce opted to return for a 14th season in KC. Even after marrying iconic singer-songwriter Taylor Swift earlier this year, he still feels the drive to continue his football career. Yet another grueling training camp has him motivated for more than just that.

Coming off a 76-catch, 851-yard, five-touchdown effort in 2025, Kelce believes he can be better for the Chiefs in 2026-27.

"I've still got a lot of love for this game," Kelce said on Wednesday. "I still think I can go out and play at a high level. I want to go out there and prove to myself that I can play at a better level than I did last year. I think that's probably the biggest thing for me, making sure that I'm accountable for the guys in this room every single play that I'm out there."

Last season was a trying one for Kelce, as he struggled with drops and also watched Kansas City limp to its worst record (6-11) since he entered the league way back in 2013. It put him to the test in a major way, and he figures to remain a critical component of the offense this coming campaign. Knowing that, he's laser-focused on leveling up and fighting off Father Time once again.

"All aspects of football, man," Kelce said of where he wants to improve. "Being more accountable when the ball's in the air. There were a few games last year that I felt like I put on myself. In the blocking world, being able to get my guys so we can spring guys for bigger gains.

"And then on top of that, just being a better leader. When we get stuck with adversity hitting, who's going to want you in that fox hole with you? That's one of those things: I want to be one of those guys that everybody counts on to be there and get us out of that fox hole."

After a down 2024, Kelce responded with a much more efficient performance a year ago. In addition to his Pro Football Focus overall grade ranking 14th out of 37 qualified tight ends, he was third overall in total EPA for tight ends (71.19, via SumerSports) and saw his yards after catch per reception spike from 3.5 to 5.6. A tad lighter per-game workload and more short-range work did the trick.

Entering what could be the final season of his illustrious professional career, the aging curve certainly isn't working in Kelce's favor. That's been the case for a while now, however, and he's kept chugging along as one of the sport's better tight ends anyway. He takes training camp in St. Joseph, Missouri very seriously, believing it sets the tone for the team's output in the year ahead.

Kelce didn't admit whether this is his last camp at Missouri Western State University, but he did emphasize wanting to maximize the bonding time he has left.

"I mean year one, I was just trying to make the team, I guess," Kelce said. "So I think this year, not only making the team but trying to figure out how I can bring guys along with me and show them how to play championship football, I think that's a big thing. And be able to just enjoy these moments with the guys I've built this culture with — coach (Andy) Reid and guys like Pat (Patrick Mahomes), Chris Jones, George (Karlaftis) and everybody."

Sign up to our free newsletter and follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram for the latest news.

Add us as a preferred source on Google