Travis Kelce’s 2026 goal: ‘Play at a better level than last year’

On Wednesday, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce addressed the media from his 14th training camp at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph.

Kelce returns for what is widely expected to be the final season of a Hall of Fame career. With little more to accomplish either in franchise or league record books, his motivation to continue playing is more intrinsic.

“I’ve still got a lot of love for this game,” Kelce declared. “I still think I can go out and play at a high level, and I want to go out there and prove to myself that I can play at a better level than I did last year. I think that’s probably the biggest thing for me is making sure that I’m accountable for the guys in this room every single play that I’m out there.”

What does that better level of football mean for a player who may be the best to ever play his position?

“All aspects of football,” Kelce explained. “Being more accountable when the ball is in the air. There were a few games last year that I felt like I put on myself. In the blocking world, being able to get my guys so we can spring guys for bigger gains. And then on top of that, just being a better leader. When we get stuck with adversity hidden, who’s going to want you in that foxhole with them? That’s one of those things that I want — to be one of those guys that everybody counts on to be there and get us out of that foxhole.”

Once upon a time, Kelce was not even assured of making the team, let alone setting all major franchise receiving records. At this point, he is focused on making the most of his remaining time with head coach Andy Reid and longtime teammates such as quarterback Patrick Mahomes, defensive tackle Chris Jones and defensive end George Karlaftis. He also has his eye on setting a standard for some of Kansas City’s younger offensive players.

“Year One, I was just trying to make the team,” he recalled. “So, I think this year, not only making the team, but trying to figure out how I can bring guys along with me and show them how to play championship football. I think that’s a big thing. And then be able to just enjoy these moments with the guys that I built this culture with. Coach Reid and guys like Pat and Chris Jones and George and everybody.”

Many fans have worried about the Chiefs’ wide receiver corps, fearing that the group will underwhelm and again put too much pressure on Kelce.

The franchise icon is high on what the group can do to alleviate some of the sticky coverage he has played through in recent seasons.

“We’ve got a lot of great players on this offense,” he observed. “It’s not just me. We’ve got some young guys that can play in Cyrus Allen [and] Jalen Royals. Obviously, Quan [Tyquan Thornton] is coming back. He’s looking great running down the field. Then, we’ve got Xavier Worthy, who if you’ve see him in the offseason, we’ve just got to get him a little healthy right now. But he’s a man on a mission right now, and I love the way he’s working and his attention to detail and how he’s running his routes and just the aggression that he’s running his routes in.

“When we get him back out here, we’ll be a full arsenal, and I think Pat has done an unbelievable job of not only getting himself ready for here but working with these receivers and making sure that everybody’s living up to that standard of how we’re going to play this year. And you can’t forget Rashee Rice, man. Rashee Rice is out here working his tail off, trying to get right as well, and we love 4 [Rice] for getting out here and getting through these dog days, knowing he’s coming off a knee surgery.”

After a well-publicized offseason wedding and celebrity lifestyle, one would expect a difficult transition to dorm life in St. Joseph. If this is Kelce’s last time through Chiefs camp, he will take away an appreciation for the experience.

“It’s always going to be my sanctuary,” he remarked. “I think St. Joe’s got a special place in my heart. You need to have these days. You need to have this time of grinding with the guys, being around them all day, every day. You start to create that chemistry and that standard of how we’re going to do things. This year, it’s ramped up even more, especially on the offensive side of the ball. It feels good to have the leaders out there all feeling the same thing.”