Travis Kelce asserts he remains capable of performing at an elite level.

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Travis Kelce, the standout tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, expressed his determination to elevate his performance in what may be his final season in the NFL. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, the 36-year-old athlete emphasized his commitment to accountability as a leader within the team. “I’ve still got a lot of love for this game,” Kelce remarked. “I want to go out there and prove to myself that I can play at a better level than I did last year. That’s probably the biggest thing for me, is making sure I’m accountable to the guys in this locker room and every single play that I’m out there.”

Kelce rejoined the Chiefs in March, signing a one-year contract worth $12 million, which could rise to $15 million based on performance incentives. Since his return, he has been a consistent figure during the team’s offseason activities and training camp. Known for his exceptional receiving abilities, Kelce has also focused on improving his contested catches during practice sessions at Missouri Western State University. “Being more accountable when the ball is in the air,” he noted, reflecting on his performance last season. “There were a few games last year that I felt like I put on myself.”

Last season, Kelce led the Chiefs in several key receiving categories, including targets (108), receptions (76), and receiving yards (851). However, he acknowledged that he made critical mistakes, such as dropping passes from quarterback Patrick Mahomes that resulted in interceptions. One notable instance occurred during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles, where a dropped pass near the goal line led to a turnover that shifted the momentum of the match. In another game against the Houston Texans, back-to-back drops culminated in an interception that ended the Chiefs' hopes for a comeback.

Kelce’s decision to return for a 13th season was also influenced by his desire to continue playing alongside Mahomes, who is expected to start in the Chiefs' season opener against the Denver Broncos on September 14. Mahomes is currently recovering from knee surgery after suffering a torn ACL and LCL last December. Throughout training camp, Kelce has remained one of Mahomes' primary targets. “Everybody knows I love that guy,” Kelce said, referring to Mahomes. “That’s a brother to me. I’m so proud of the way he handled adversity from last year to right now.” As the season approaches, Kelce is optimistic about their performance, stating, “He’s enjoying the game, competing at a high level and not thinking about the knee. He’s playing his tail off and leading us.”