Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce has candidly discussed how his time in the NFL could be winding down in recent years. But according to his longtime teammate, Patrick Mahomes, he hasn’t seen any sign of Kelce slowing down whatsoever based on how he has approached this offseason.
Kelce has little left to prove as an NFL player, playing an immeasurable role in the team’s three Super Bowl championships in the last decade. But entering what will be his age-36 season, Kelce seems to still have the fire necessary to play at the NFL level at a high level.
Speaking to how Kelce has taken the offseason quite seriously, Patrick Mahomes explained how he has seen no indication that Kelce has grown tired of his job in the NFL.
“If it’s the last ride, you would never know it,” said Mahomes, transcribed by Bleacher Report’s James Palmer. “The way he’s talking about football, the way he’s talking about working and trying to be even better this year than he was last year. He doesn’t seem like a guy that it’s his last ride, like he’s tired of his job. He’s in there, he’s working, and I know his body feels good. I think it feels better than even last year before going into the last season. Just because I think he’s motivated to go out there and have an even better year than he had this last year.”
“If it’s the last ride you would never know”
“He’s not – he doesn’t seem like a guy that it’s his last ride like he’s tired of the job.”
– Patrick Mahomes on Travis Kelce. pic.twitter.com/685hXePUOY
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) May 30, 2025
Kelce did have the worst statistical season of his career aside from his injury-riddled rookie season, hauling in 97 receptions for 823 yards and three touchdowns in the regular season. But that is to be expected as he ages and becomes a little less athletic each season.
If Kelce does ultimately come out and have a better year than he did last year, the Chiefs could again be a team to be reckoned with in the AFC. And based on how Mahomes is talking about his teammate, it sure sounds like this could very well end up being the case.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.