Chiefs TE Travis Kelce Gets Strong Statement From Teammate Nick Bolton

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce may be the elder among the team, but he’s still leading by example.

Kelce earned praise from his head coach and teammates as the team wrapped up training camp, getting credit for his strong work ethic. The veteran tight end returned to the team on a new contract after briefly considering retirement and appears ready to lead his team in their quest to return to the playoffs.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid told reporters that Kelce has been a great leader at practice, forgoing much of the traditional veteran rest privileges. Reid added that he sometimes had to force Kelce to take some time off, a work ethic that caught the attention of his teammates.

Linebacker Nick Bolton said Kelce’s hustle is contagious, noting that other players want to follow his example.

“There’s no excuses when you have the old guy out there running routes and stuff like that,” Bolton said, adding that it’s ”been fun to watch [Kelce] work.”

Kelce said he understands his place as a leader on the field and in the locker room, knowing that the team’s younger players — which is everyone other than 37-year-old long snapper James Winchester — are looking to him as an example.

“When we get stuck, with adversity hitting, who’s going to want you in that foxhole with you?” Kelce said. “That’s one of those things, I want to be one of those guys that everybody counts on to be there and get us out of that foxhole.”

Kelce also took blame for the team’s struggles in 2025, when they missed the playoffs for the first time in more than a decade.

“There were things I could have done better in that regard,” he said. “I feel ready to rock and roll. Just trying to make sure I set that example for the guys around me, that this is the standard.”

Though he struggled with drops at times, Kelce had a strong statistical season in 2025, leading the team with 108 targets and 76 receptions for 851 yards and five touchdowns.

Travis Kelce Has Other Priorities

Kelce was able to keep a strong focus on football despite several big events in his life this summer. He and girlfriend Taylor Swift tied the knot in July, giving them some time together before the start of training camp at the end of the month.

Kelce also recently announced a new business venture, partnering with Publicis Group and his commercial representation, 3 Arts Entertainment, to start a new NIL consulting activation service.

“I am excited to leverage my lived experience and professional perspective to help close the gap for brands and athletes alike,” Kelce said. “Streamlining the process will allow everyone to fully realize the potential of engaging across the board, including the significant opportunity that lies in those untapped sports and undiscovered personalities.”

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