After a high-profile year off the field, the Chiefs star says he’s dialing back the distractions and giving football his full focus again.
Refocus Mode: Activated
Travis Kelce is setting the record straight and setting new goals.
In a candid moment on the Bussin’ With the Boys podcast, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end admitted that last year he got a little too caught up in life outside the end zone. From acting roles to commercials to becoming one-half of the world’s most-watched couple with Taylor Swift, Kelce’s 2024 offseason was anything but quiet.
But after a disappointing Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the 35-year-old is re-centering his attention.
“I think I failed last year in a lot of different ways for my guys on the field,” Kelce said. “In terms of being a leader and being prepared… I’m motivated to be accountable.”
Less Spotlight, More Sideline
Unlike the media frenzy of last season, which included a hosting gig on Saturday Night Live, a wave of commercials, and a public romance with the biggest pop star on the planet. This offseason has been much more low-key.
Kelce’s only major side project? A cameo in the upcoming Happy Gilmore sequel. Otherwise, it’s been all about training and team focus.
“I kind of put all [the outside stuff] to the side,” he said. “I’m going into the last year of my contract, 13th year… I’m going to make this dream that I’ve always had the best it’s ever been.”
Looking Back to Move Forward
Kelce didn’t shy away from the stats: his 2024 season was one of the least productive of his career, with just 823 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Both career lows. He acknowledged the criticism and admitted he had to “reassess” how he prepped for the year.
“It’s not to say that I was doing it wrong,” he explained. “But when you get older… you have to focus a little bit more on the preparation and being there and being ready.”
What Comes After This Season?
With retirement rumors swirling, Kelce isn’t rushing any decisions, but he’s being realistic. He confirmed 2025 is the final year on his current contract and said he’ll reevaluate his future once the season wraps.
“I don’t know what next year’s gonna feel like. But I know that I’ve got one on the contract, and I’ve got a hell of a team and a lot of talent, and I’m pumped for it.”
As Taylor Swift keeps making headlines in her own right, Kelce’s recalibrated focus might just be the key to another Super Bowl run, and, maybe, a season-ending mic drop of his own.
