Chiefs coach, teammates expand on how Travis Kelce evolved as leader

While explaining why he wants to return for at least another campaign no matter the result of Sunday's Super Bowl LIX clash between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City tight end Travis Kelce shared on Thursday that he "stepped into a role of being more of a voice for the guys" this season. 

During recent chats with NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, Chiefs tight end coach Tom Melvin and some of Kelce's teammates touched upon what the future Hall of Famer means to the team beyond his on-the-field contributions. 

"He’s just the ultimate competitor," Melvin said about Kelce. "You hear a lot about his outgoing personality. He relishes more in being the leader by example, as opposed to some of the outward stuff is just him being him — 'I’m not going to be a leader because I’m dancing before the play. I'm going to be a leader because I’m running full speed and I’m setting up my teammate to be successful.' That’s more of what he's into."

Early into the 2024 season, some accused Kelce of being out of shape and/or distracted by his numerous off-the-field business endeavors and his ongoing relationship with entertainment superstar Taylor Swift. However, ESPN's Adam Teicher revealed in a story published back in January how Kelce was "at the Chiefs' practice facility [last winter and spring] more than [quarterback Patrick Mahomes] expected, given Kelce's many offseason projects."

That work ethic doesn't go unnoticed by peers such as Chiefs guard/tackle Joe Thuney.

"He loves being out there," Thuney said about Kelce. "He’s always out there. I have no memory of him ever missing anything. It’s remarkable how elite of a level he’s been able to play over such a long period of time. He puts in the work day in and day out of practice. We all see it. He loves the run-blocking drills as much as anything. He’s all in on everything. It’s really cool to see, especially from a man with a legendary career."

Kelce's performances in Kansas City's last two playoff games seemingly serve as examples of how he warmly embraces whatever role he needs to play for the Chiefs to secure victories in must-win contests. In the divisional-round win over the Houston Texans, he recorded seven receptions for 117 yards and a touchdown. Kelce then tallied just two catches for 19 yards as Kansas City beat the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship Game. 

"It humbles you every day," veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins said about working with Kelce from the October trade that sent Hopkins to the Chiefs through February. "It gives people a vision for where you want to be." 

As of late Friday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Chiefs as 1.5-point favorites to get where they want to be on Sunday: becoming the first team in history to win three straight Super Bowl games.