Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid revealed he has had to physically pull Travis Kelce out of training camp practices to make sure the veteran tight end gets enough rest as he prepares for his 14th NFL season.
"You have examples like Kelce, he's the oldest guy on the team and came out every day and worked to where you had to yank him out of there to give him a breather," Reid told reporters.
Kelce, 36, is a three-time Super Bowl champion and one of the most accomplished tight ends in NFL history. He has spent his entire career with the Chiefs since being drafted in 2013.
Teammates praise Kelce's work ethic
Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton also praised Kelce's effort in camp, saying there is no room for excuses when the oldest player on the roster is still out running routes. Bolton said it has been fun to watch Kelce work.
Reid extended similar praise to quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the two-time NFL MVP who has been working his way back from a torn ACL. Reid, 68, commended Mahomes for how he has handled his recovery.
Reflecting on the team's overall effort in camp, Reid said the players worked hard and that he had seen progress.
Kelce on becoming a better leader
Earlier in August, Kelce spoke about his desire to be a better leader for the Chiefs this season. He said that when adversity hits and things get difficult, he wants to be the player everyone can count on to help pull the team through.
Kelce's intense focus in training camp follows an eventful summer for the tight end, who married pop star Taylor Swift.
A private wedding at Madison Square Garden
Kelce and Swift held a celebrity-filled private ceremony at Madison Square Garden in New York City in early July. Phones were banned from the event, but guests from entertainment and sports gathered to celebrate the couple.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season
Kelce will be hoping to carry that happiness into the 2026 NFL season after the Chiefs missed the playoffs the previous year. Looking back on the 2025 season, Kelce admitted there were things he could have done better.
He said this season feels different, adding that he feels ready to go and is focused on setting the standard for his teammates.
