As the Kansas City Chiefs get set for the 2025 NFL year, many are asking what will come next for one of their top stars: Travis Kelce.
The 35-year-old tight end, a three-time Super Bowl winner and sure future Hall of Famer, may be near the end of his great career. Even though head coach Andy Reid and the Chiefs team still see worth in Kelce’s lead and experience, they are getting ready for times when he may not be the key star in the game plan.
Small decline in numbers
Kelce’s 2024 season was his least good in almost ten years. He obtained:
- 823 receiving yards
- 3 touchdowns
- 73 receptions (projected for 2025)
His results have not been this low since 2015, and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler says that the Chiefs plan to ease his load. Brett Veach, the general manager, spoke about Kelce’s age, pointing out, “His numbers won’t be the same. You have to acknowledge … that he’s older. He’s not 28 years old anymore.”
Andy Reid’s strategy
EssentiallySports and ESPN analysts say Andy Reid is not giving up on Kelce… but he is adapting.
Like Facebook creatorMark Zuckerberg, who aims to learn as fast as possible, Reid uses that idea in football. Ex-Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith said Reid’s office is packed with whiteboards full of plays from less known college teams, showing his drive for new things and players.
Andy Reid talks about his expectations for Travis Kelce this season.#Chiefs l #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/VQ0EYT0a9W
— Sports Radio 810 WHB (@SportsRadio810) June 19, 2025
This means even stars like Kelce could be facing some changes. Reid plans to lean less on Kelce, boosting the roles of younger players such as: Rashee Rice (coming back from an injury), Xavier Worthy (59 catches as a new player), Hollywood Brown (back for 2025), Noah Gray (tops in 2024: 40 catches, 437 yards, 5 TDs)
What is next for the Chiefs star
Kelce will be 36 in October, and while he may be slower, his guiding role is key. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes highlighted Kelce’s role off the field:
“He’s going to go out there with the mentality that we’re trying to win the Super Bowl… more than anything, it’s the leadership that he brings to the building every single day.”
Travis Kelce is the greatest TE of all timepic.twitter.com/Rl5vpY6aEp
— Brad Henson Productions (@BradHensonPro) June 30, 2025
Despite his stats dropping, Kelce played more in 2024 than in years, taking part in over 950 plays and 81.8% of the time on offense. Reid noted he won’t cut Kelce’s game time unless he sees him slowing down:
“He doesn’t know he’s getting older, but I do. If I think it’s catching up to him, I’ll pull off,” said Reid.
Importance in big games
Even in a tough and stressful year, Kelce showed he could still perform and step up when needed the most. In the 2024 Divisional Round victory against the Texans, he got 7 passes for 117 yards and a touchdown, helping push the team into the AFC Championship Game.
Travis Kelce says he wants to get into broadcasting after he retires 👀 pic.twitter.com/1yYudRjdAt
— Bussin' With The Boys (@BussinWTB) July 5, 2025
The Chiefs are no’t pushing Kelce aside, they are planning ahead. His role might change from main player to experienced guide and key player at times. But as long as he keeps on playing, he will still be a great force and a leader.
