Andy Reid Addresses Travis Kelce’s Potential Final Camp With Chiefs

As the Kansas City Chiefs gear up for yet another season, the same can be said for tight end Travis Kelce. Coming off a Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, everyone is determined to get a sour taste out of their mouths.

With training camp arriving, it’ll be year No. 13 for Kelce. Many continue to speculate about his potential retirement. That stems from folks outside the organization, but a key pillar inside the building addressed that possibility on Tuesday.

Following the Chiefs’ July 22 camp practice, head coach Andy Reid spoke about what could be Kelce’s last hurrah in St. Joseph, MO.

Andy Reid Praises ‘Phenomenal’ Travis Kelce for Contributions to Chiefs

Reid has coached Kelce for his entire career. From one Hall of Fame talent to another, it’s nothing but respect.

“He’s phenomenal,” Reid said. “He’s been great for this organization. Anytime you’re with a guy for 13 years, you end up being close to that player. I’ve watched him grow as a player, as a man. We haven’t talked about last years or [any of] that. You hope he plays forever, but that’s probably not going to happen to any of us. Whenever he decides to hang it up, he’s built a great legacy here. If he decides this is it, it’s it. If not, more power to him.”

Kelce’s contract situation doesn’t make matters easier to sort out. The 35-year-old will turn 36 in October, and he has several off-the-field endeavors that are lucrative. His deal expires after this season. That, combined with a decline in play, brings about some natural uncertainty.

In 16 games last season, Kelce hauled in four more passes than the year before but recorded 161 fewer yards. His per-catch production (10.6 yards to 8.5) saw a downtick, as did his post-catch effectiveness. The superstar is still viewed as a good tight end, albeit not a top-flight option who used to carry fantasy football teams all by himself.

Kansas City’s Offense Eyeing Improvement From 2024 Effort

It seems like forever ago that the 2022-23 Chiefs’ offense led the NFL en route to a championship. Despite winning the Super Bowl again at the end of the 2023-24 season, Kansas City ranked 15th in scoring and ninth in yardage. In 2024-25, they were once again 15th in points but fell to 16th in yards. On an EPA per play basis, according to SumerSports, they were 11th. Father Time paying Kelce a visit was just the tip of the iceberg regarding the entire offense’s regression.

For starters, the Chiefs lost wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown during the preseason due to injury. Early in the regular season, Rashee Rice suffered a season-ending knee injury. That put more responsibility on Kelce’s plate, as well as that of then-rookie Xavier Worthy. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes struggled to adjust to that, in addition to one more key development.

Kansas City’s left tackle situation was a complete disaster. The club burned through four different options in an effort to find a serious solution. Left guard Joe Thuney wound up starting in the aforementioned Super Bowl and, predictably, got exposed. Rookie Josh Simmons could be the answer – he got first-team reps during the team’s initial training camp practice – but he’s more buzz than substance right now.

It’ll take more than a fantastic effort from Kelce to restore an elite offense. If this is it for him, though, he’ll surely leave every ounce of energy he’s got on the field.