The Kansas City Chiefs suffered a devastating Super Bowl loss to the Eagles and immediately had to start focusing on a pivotal offseason. Not only are there a great number of pending free agents, but the organization has also dealt with the potential retirement of legendary tight end Travis Kelce.
Fortunately for the team, it sounds like Kelce intends to play another season. His illustrious stretch of fantastic postseason play came to an end this year with back-to-back underwhelming performances, though it's hard to blame him for how poorly the entire roster played in the Super Bowl.
Kelce's disappointing effort seems to have an explanation according to new comments from general manager Brett Veach, reducing the concern that he's reached the end of his time as an effective pass-catcher.
#Chiefs GM Brett Veach told me Travis Kelce “was battling with a pretty big illness” before the Super Bowl. But the team doesn’t believe that loss to the #Eagles will be Kelce’s last game. At age 35, “I think that Travis is excited to come back.”
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 26, 2025
Full interview on The Insiders: pic.twitter.com/aJrFtsW6Dw
Travis Kelce Was Sick During Chiefs' Super Bowl Loss
In new comments made at the NFL Combine, Veach revealed that Kelce was dealing with a significant illness going into the Super Bowl. He only caught four passes for 39 yards, all in the second half, but this news could explain why things went so poorly early.
Kelce “was battling with a pretty big illness” before the Super Bowl according to Veach. He neglected to elaborate, though it makes sense given the lack of involvement for Kelce early on in the game. It felt strange to see what appeared to be a general disinterest in some key plays. If Kelce was dealing with an illness, it'd explain a lot.
The entire team was obviously tired and needed some time to recharge. Hopefully, with a full offseason of reflection, Kelce and the rest of the roster can come back ready to go in 2025. Making improvements over the next few months is critical, though Kansas City still has the foundation for another Super Bowl run.
It sounds like Kelce will be part of it and Chiefs Kingdom's fingers are crossed that he won't come down with a sickness this time.