Travis Kelce was suffering from a ‘pretty big illness’ ahead of the Super Bowl, Chiefs General Manager Brett Veach has sensationally revealed.

Kelce struggled in New Orleans as Kansas City was badly beaten by the Philadelphia Eagles.

The tight end failed to make much impact on the game as the Chiefs’ hopes of a  historic three-peat went up in smoke.

Kelce came under scrutiny for his performance and the Chiefs star even teased possible retirement following the loss.

But on Tuesday, Veach explained that the 35-year-old had been sick in the lead up to the game in New Orleans.

‘We’re never going to make excuses and talk about it but he was battling with a pretty big illness before the Super Bowl,’ he told NFL Network.

‘The way the Eagles played it wouldn’t have made a difference but I think Travis is excited to come back and he finds a way to stay in shape and produce at a level that only he can.

‘That is such an intangible to have in the locker room with the guys and obviously the relationship he has with Pat (Mahomes) is unique too. So he makes us better when he’s in our locker room and on the field and we’re excited to get him back.’