Travis Kelce is setting a strong example for the Kansas City Chiefs’ younger players as the team prepares for the 2026 season. At Chiefs training camp in St. Joseph, Missouri, the veteran tight end has continued to work hard and take part in practice.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid spoke about Kelce after Wednesday’s practice.

“Well, you’re talking about Kelce,” Reid said. “He’s a great leader, and he works hard. He wants to be in there, and for a young guy to look at that, it’s hard for them to make an excuse to take a rep off.”

Kelce’s example matters even more with other players trying to earn bigger roles. Rookie wide receiver Cyrus Allen worked with the first-team offense and caught two passes from quarterback Patrick Mahomes, while Rashee Rice had a lighter practice as he continued his recovery.

“Because he’s out there going. And if they try to get sneaky, he yanks them back in there. So, he makes them go. That’s always a good thing to have,” Reid added in the post-practice presser.

Kelce remained an important part of the offense in 2025, catching 76 passes for 851 yards and five touchdowns.

He caught fewer passes than the 97 he had in 2024, but finished with more receiving yards and two more touchdowns. Even in his 13th season, Kelce continued to make a difference on offense.

Kelce now enters Year 14 with 1,080 catches and 13,002 receiving yards. He has also made 11 Pro Bowls and earned four first-team All-Pro honors during his career.

While Kelce’s hustle sets the standard for younger players, his presence back on the practice field brings immediate comfort to Patrick Mahomes as the offense gets back into gear.

Travis Kelce gives Patrick Mahomes a familiar option as Chiefs sort out their offense

Kelce returned to St. Joseph on Wednesday, ready to get back to work. His first practice put him alongside Mahomes again as Kansas City started preparing for the 2026 season.

The star tight end greeted fans on his way into practice, then appeared in camp videos catching passes from Mahomes and fighting for extra yards.

“Living the dream, baby,” Kelce said in a video posted by the Chiefs via X.

Kansas City is looking to improve after going 6-11 in 2025 and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014. Kelce remained a steady part of the offense.

Mahomes entered camp with clearance to practice, giving the longtime pair a chance to rebuild their rhythm before the opener.

The Chiefs' QB and tight end Kelce connected again during early practices as younger players continued to fight for snaps around them. Kansas City opens its season against Denver on September 14 at Arrowhead Stadium.

Do you think the Mahomes-Kelce connection can carry the offense back to the playoffs this season? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Shreya Mishra

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore