The star tight end is returning for his 13th season in the NFL this fall

Andy Reid is ready for it — coaching Travis Kelce for a 13th season this fall, that is.

And as the Kansas City Chiefs head coach looks toward a new season, and a chance to wipe clean the sting of last year’s Super Bowl loss, he’s looking back on his relationship with the star tight end.

“He’s phenomenal,” Reid, 67, told reporters on the Chiefs’ first day of practice at training camp in St. Joseph, Mo. on Tuesday, July 22. “I mean, he’s been great for this organization. Anytime you’re with a guy for 13 years, you end up being close to that player. And so I’ve watched him grow as a player, as a man.”

But does Reid think that 35-year-old Kelce has yet another year in him after this season?

“You hope he plays forever, but that’s probably not gonna happen to any of us,” the coach said. “So whenever he decides to hang it up, he’s built a great legacy here. And if he decides this is it, it’s it. If not, more power to him.”

In photos from camp on Tuesday, Kelce sported longer locks and a “Killa” smile while he walked in alongside teammate Rashee Rice, who was sentenced to 30 days in jail last week in connection with a high-speed crash on a Dallas freeway in 2024. (Rice is awaiting word whether he will face a suspension for the incident.)

Kelce is coming off a busy summer. Earlier this month, the NFL star played with his brother Jason Kelce at the American Century Championship golf tournament in Lake Tahoe.

As he trained during the off season in Florida (and sported a trimmer physique after dropping 25 lbs.) the Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity host also spent time with girlfriend Taylor Swift where they attended weddings and NHL Finals games, and made time for a handful of New York City date nights.

Last season, Kelce’s production on the field took a hit, where he posted a career-low 823 yards and 97 receptions.

All of which prompted quarterback Patrick Mahomes to explain at the time that teams were increasingly defending Kelce due to the “respect factor” the veteran generates.

But the Cincinnati alum also found time to set a few records as well.

During the Christmas Day 2024 game, the star passed Chiefs legend Tony Gonzalez for all-time receiving touchdowns, when a fourth-quarter play and 12-yard grab earned him his 77th receiving TD.

Read the original article on People