Chiefs Manage Travis Kelce Workload Amid Retirement Speculation, Eye College Replacement

Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs' star tight end, is facing a challenging phase of his career as he approaches 36 years old, with his on-field performance showing signs of decline despite remaining a key offensive player. The Chiefs are managing Kelce's workload carefully, limiting his snap counts to around two-thirds of offensive plays to preserve his effectiveness throughout the season and extend his career. Despite his reduced playing time, Kelce continues to be a crucial target for quarterback Patrick Mahomes and remains a significant presence both on and off the field. His engagement to Taylor Swift has increased media scrutiny and added personal pressure, contributing to concerns about his stress levels and temperament. Looking ahead, the Chiefs are preparing for Kelce's eventual retirement by scouting potential replacements, such as Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq, who could bring dynamic athleticism to the position. Head coach Andy Reid emphasizes Kelce's importance to the team and acknowledges the difficulty of balancing his playing time with the need to keep him in top condition for the postseason.