Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs' star tight end, is not ready to hang up his cleats just yet. Despite expectations that he might retire after this season, Kelce insists he has plenty of energy left for another run.
At 35 years old, Kelce addressed the media in Brazil on September 4, just before the Chiefs' season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers scheduled for September 5 in São Paulo. “I’ll tell you what, I’m feeling young and I’m feeling ready to rock, baby,” he declared when questioned about whether this season would be his last.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes joined Kelce at the press conference and noted the tight end's noticeable weight loss. “I mean, look how loose that shirt is,” Mahomes remarked, praising Kelce’s transformation.
Kelce responded with a grin, “This thing was a little tighter last year.” His commitment to fitness this offseason included renting a house in Boca Raton, Florida, where he prioritized his health.
During Chiefs minicamp in June, Kelce addressed rumors about his weight loss, which suggested he had shed 25 pounds. “First of all, I never said that,” he clarified. “Don’t believe all you read on the internet, guys. Alright?” Yet, he did confirm he had lost some weight since the previous season.
“Each year’s different, man,” Kelce explained. “You gotta rebuild it. This year, got some time to really focus on some form running and some things early on in the offseason that I just didn’t have time for last year. Certainly feeling good, and I think it will pay off.”
After the Chiefs' defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX in February, speculation arose regarding Kelce's potential retirement. However, he quickly announced his return later that month.
The Chiefs are set to face off against the Chargers at 8 p.m. ET on September 5, with the game available exclusively on the NFL’s YouTube Channel and NFL+.
