Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce arrived at Chiefs training camp after his July wedding to Taylor Swift. And fans began commenting on the tight end's physique after AI-generated videos circulated online before training camp, per USA Today.

But the Chiefs' head coach, Andy Reid, said Kelce has looked good in practice, according to a recent X post from NFL.com captioned "No dad bod for Travis Kelce per Andy Reid."

The discussion about his physique largely started because of altered videos shared on social media. When Kelce arrived for training camp, those images didn't match what reporters saw in person at Missouri Western State University. 

"He came back in good shape," Reid told NFL Network. "I know everybody's out there saying he's got the dad body and all this stuff, but he looks the same to me that he's always looked and he's playing like crazy. He's focused and ready to go, and I appreciate that."

Speaking to the NFL Network on August 4, Reid's comments backed up what has been evident since camp opened. Kelce has moved well during practice, taken his usual workload and shown no signs that the busy offseason has affected his preparation.

Kelce also adjusted his weight before the 2025 season. During a June 2025 episode of ESPN's Sportscenter, Jeremy Fowler pointed out that Kelce's movements had looked heavier in 2024, and reported that the tight end had dropped a few pounds.

"I'm down some weight, yeah, from the end of the season last year. Each year is different man. You got to 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," Kelce told reporters during a June 2025 press conference.

Now 36, Kelce begins another season as one of Patrick Mahomes' most trusted targets. He considered retirement after Kansas City's 6-11 finish last year before deciding to return for one more season.

Last season, Kelce led the Chiefs with 76 catches for 851 yards and five touchdowns despite the team's struggles. Kelce's workload may evolve with age, but the Chiefs still expect him to play a major role in the offense.

That confidence comes even as outside analysts acknowledge that the veteran tight end may be past his prime.

CBS Sports projects different role for Travis Kelce in Year 14 

According to CBS Sports' Carter Bahns, Kelce's role remains important even if his peak production is likely behind him.

"The years of 100 or more catches and double-digit touchdowns are behind Kelce," Bahns wrote on August 5. "He is nowhere near as formidable a red-zone target now as he was in the three Super Bowl-winning seasons".

Bahns noted that Kelce averaged a career-low 50.1 receiving yards per game in 2025. He also pointed out that he no longer creates separation as consistently as he did earlier in his career. 

However, even if he is no longer expected to carry the passing game on his own, Kelce's experience, reliability, and chemistry with Mahomes continue to make him a key piece.

Kansas City opens the preseason against the Los Angeles Rams on August 15 before beginning the regular season against the Denver Broncos on September 14.

Kelce may not be chasing the same numbers. But the Chiefs still expect him to play a significant role.

Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit