The Kansas City Chiefs (2-2) are set to take the field Monday night in a primetime matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars (3-1) on “Monday Night Football.”
Ahead of the game, ESPN's “Monday Night Countdown” will air an exclusive interview conducted by former Philadelphia Eagles star Jason Kelce with Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and Jason’s brother, Travis Kelce, who turned 36 on Sunday.
A preview of the interview was released by the Kelces' “New Heights” podcast on social media, highlighting one of the most asked questions Travis has received since announcing he would return for his 13th NFL season following the Chiefs' Super Bowl LIX loss: How much longer will he be playing?
"Trav, year 13 - how many more do you got left, how are you approaching this season?" Jason asked.
"I take it day by day, year by year," Travis responded. "I just love coming into work with these guys right here. The culture has become my way of life. The expectation every single year, year in and year out, is a Super Bowl."
Travis, who has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history with three Lombardi Trophies, has taken on a reduced role in the Chiefs' offense this season, playing just 66% of the team's offensive snaps in Week 4. Reid has a clear reason for this: he's looking to preserve Kelce for the stretch run of the season and ensure he's ready to perform at his best when it matters most.
“He came back, and he’d really trained hard and aggressively for this thing. He’s such a big part of it. Not only his effort, but the mentality he comes into these games with,” Reid said.
“He’s all in all the time. He gets mad at me, but it’s my responsibility to make sure that we don’t get too many reps in there, that we get him at least a blow here and there. He’d play every play if he had his choice. The message is clear: the Chiefs are prioritizing long-term performance over short-term volume.”
Through four games this season, Travis has recorded 15 receptions for 182 yards and one touchdown, which came in Week 1 against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Travis set career lows in 2024 in both receiving yards and touchdowns, finishing with 823 yards and three scores. That said, he remains one of the greatest postseason performers in NFL history, and if he's on the field and healthy come December, January, and potentially February, he poses a serious threat to any opponent.
More NFL: How Did Dillon Gabriel Do in His First Start With Browns?
2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.