The Kansas City Chiefs dynasty has had three main proponents throughout its run. While Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes were relatively new additions to the squad, Travis Kelce was already a legend in Kansas City before their run truly got underway. But since their perpetual trips to the Super Bowl began, his stock and legacy have taken a major step up.
Now, nearing the end of his run in the league, the 35-year-old might be considering retirement sooner rather than later. While it would be a huge blow to the team, head coach Andy Reid already has a vision for what the post-playing career of the legendary tight end could look like.
Andy Reid Has an Idea for Travis Kelce’s Next Steps
Kelce has been slowing down from a statistical standpoint over the last couple of seasons. Since 2016, the last two years have been his worst from a receiving perspective, as he’s tallied under 1,000 yards in both seasons, with just eight total touchdowns.
To put it in perspective, his 2022 campaign saw him tally 1,338 receiving yards, along with 12 touchdowns. So, as his production starts to decline, the next phase of his career is fast approaching and Reid has one idea where Kelce could dominate.
Speaking to Colin Cowherd on “The Herd” on Fox Sports 1, the winningest coach in Kansas City history endorsed Kelce for his position. “Travis would be a heck of a football coach. He’s able to get up there, explain things and teach these young guys exactly what he sees and feels. He’s got a good feel for the game.”
"He would be a heck of a football coach. He's able to get up there, explain things and teach these young guys what he sees and feels."
Andy Reid on coaching @tkelce pic.twitter.com/tNOFe0O3GA
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) January 29, 2025
Despite his reduced production int the regular season, Kelce has still be dominant when the lights are the brightest. Second only to Jerry Rice in postseason receiving yards and touchdowns, Kelce had arguably his best playoffs ever the previous season. He tallied 355 yards over four games and even added three touchdowns.
This season as well, he was dominant in the Divisional Round against the Houston Texans, having his best game of the season with 117 yards, including a season-high 49-yard bomb, alongside a touchdown. For his relative slump in the regular season, coach Reid has a simple explanation.
“I’ve been around him for so long and we’ve had my whole duration here. I kind of know where he’s at — physically, mentally. I know what he can do in games and so we try to utilize him. I also know what’s around him which helps him because for a while there, we were banged up and guys were trying to learn. [As a result], he was being double-teamed.”
Just four weeks into the year, the Chiefs had lost their WR1, WR2, and RB1 for a large stretch of the season in the form of Hollywood Brown, Rashee Rice, and Isiah Pacheco. During that time, a large onus fell on the veteran TE to fill that gap, along with added defensive attention.
But, with the team getting healthier as the playoffs continue to roll on, his freedom on the field has grown, immediately resulting in a game like the one against Houston.