Travis Kelce Says He 'Wouldn't Listen' if Chiefs Pitched Lesser Role in Age 35 Season

Travis Kelce isn't interested in a smaller role on the Kansas City Chiefs' offense.

When asked about the Chiefs potentially offering him a decreased workload, Kelce told reporters that he wouldn't consider it.

"I probably wouldn't listen to them if they did,'' he said, per ESPN's Adam Teicher.

The nine-time Pro Bowl tight end is currently set to enter the 12th season of his career, and he'll be 35 years old by the end of his 2024 campaign.

Kelce explained that he's been able to stay effective due to his understanding of his physical limitations and his ability to learn from past mistakes.

"You get more comfortable with your body,'' he said, via Teicher. "You learn things from the mistakes you made in years past and things like that. You just constantly keep getting better and keep getting more aware of where your body's at."

Even if there isn't a specific plan to limit him in Kansas City's offense, Kelce wasn't involved as much in 2023 compared to past years. He was targeted 121 times last season, the lowest mark since 2016. It's worth noting that Kelce missed two games, although it still represented a noticeable decrease from the 152 targets he recorded in 17 games during the 2022 season.

Despite receiving fewer targets, he continued to showcase himself as one of the NFL's top tight ends in 2023. He hauled in 93 catches for 984 yards and five touchdowns, earning a Pro Bowl nod. Kelce also stepped up throughout the Chiefs' playoff run, racking up 355 yards in four postseason appearances.

Patrick Mahomes will have several options as he leads Kansas City's passing attack in 2024, with Rashee Rice entering his second season after totaling 938 yards as a rookie. The Chiefs also selected speedy wideout Xavier Worthy with the No. 28 overall pick in the 2024 draft, and the former Texas receiver could make an impact in his first year.

Kelce will make his season debut on Thursday night, as Kansas City hosts the Baltimore Ravens. Kickoff is at 8:20 p.m. ET.