Patrick Mahomes didn’t hold back when asked about Travis Kelce ahead of the 2026 season. The Chiefs quarterback made it clear that Kelce’s value to the team goes beyond what shows up on a stat sheet these days.
“Obviously he has the physical gifts to go out there and be that size with that speed and elusiveness,” Mahomes said, according to Yahoo Sports. “But I think what makes him who he is is the leader and the person that he is. The teammates around him want him to succeed, because he’s going to give everything he has to the guys around him.”
It’s a nice vote of confidence for a tight end entering his 13th season. Kelce just married pop superstar Taylor Swift this offseason and has repeatedly said he plans to return to Kansas City for another year. But the numbers from 2025 weren’t exactly vintage Kelce. He dropped off in yards per catch and had a few costly miscues early on, including a Week 1 miscommunication with rookie wideout Xavier Worthy that led to an injury and a fumble that turned into a pick the following game.
Father Time Remains Undefeated
Kelce is 36 now. That’s ancient for a skill position player, especially one who’s taken the kind of punishment he has over a decade-plus of playoff runs and Super Bowl appearances. His athleticism has clearly dipped. The explosive separation that made him a nightmare for linebackers isn’t what it used to be.
But opposing defenses still treat him like a primary threat. They have to. Even a diminished Kelce commands double teams and attention that opens up space for everyone else. And in big moments, he still finds ways to make plays. That doesn’t totally disappear.
The Chiefs need it. They missed the playoffs last season for the first time since Mahomes took over as starter. That stung. They traded cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Rams and signed running back Kenneth Walker III in free agency, hoping the former Seattle back can provide a spark on the ground.
What’s at Stake
Kansas City opens the season September 14 at home against the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football. That game will tell us a lot about how much Kelce has left. If he looks slow, the offense could struggle to find its rhythm. If he looks like the Kelce of old, even in flashes, this team could bounce back in a hurry.
Mahomes clearly believes in him. And Kelce has earned the benefit of the doubt. But the NFL doesn’t wait for anybody. Not even future Hall of Famers.
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