At 34 years old, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce remains one of the premier players in his position, despite the team’s current performance struggles. Kelce is poised to achieve 1,000 receiving yards for the eighth consecutive season, showcasing his enduring excellence.
However, concerns have arisen, as noted by The Athletic’s Mike Sando, with Kelce experiencing a dip in his numbers. His 11.2 yards per reception are on track to be a career low, and he’s averaging four fewer receiving yards per game compared to the previous season. During the Chiefs’ 27-19 loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 13, an NFL general manager observed potential signs of decline, expressing reservations about Kelce’s late-season performance and recovery.
“It is funny you say that,” the GM said to Sando. “I was watching him run down on that Hail Mary (against Green Bay), and I was thinking he might be almost done. I say that understanding he has been productive at times this year. But you know what the first sign of decline for a player like Travis Kelce is? That he is not the same player late in the season. It means his body is not recovering.”
Contrary opinions exist within the league, with an NFL offensive coach stating that Kelce, an eight-time Pro Bowler, has never excelled at beating press-man coverage. Kelce, who has played in 156 games, has demonstrated resilience and consistent performance, particularly when Taylor Swift is in attendance.
Recent statistics also defy notions of decline, as Kelce recorded 255 receiving yards with an impressive 15.9 yards per catch over the Chiefs’ last three games. Despite retirement considerations, acknowledged in an exclusive interview with the Wall Street Journal, where Kelce highlighted the toll of injuries and surgeries, he remains a vital component of the Chiefs’ offense.
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With 80 catches for 896 yards and five touchdowns this season, Kelce’s impact on the team is evident. The Chiefs heavily rely on his contributions, and the potential absence of Kelce could pose challenges, even with Patrick Mahomes at quarterback. As Kelce navigates considerations beyond football, the team faces uncertainties in navigating the season’s challenges.