Travis Kelce Gets Leaner Ahead of 13th NFL Season — A Comeback Story in Progress

After a disappointing end to the 2024 NFL season and growing speculation about his retirement, Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce is making headlines again — this time for his significant offseason transformation. The veteran, who is gearing up for his 13th year in the league, has reportedly dropped 25 pounds and is entering minicamp in a noticeably leaner form.

In the immediate aftermath of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl loss earlier this year, there was widespread chatter about whether Kelce would hang up his cleats. At 35 years old and coming off a season that saw a dip in his usual production, the questions seemed justified. But the three-time Super Bowl champion and 10-time Pro Bowler quickly silenced retirement rumors with a definitive message: He’s coming back — and he’s not just going through the motions.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Kelce has been telling people close to him that he intentionally slimmed down during the offseason. Appearing on SportsCenter this past Saturday, Fowler shared details of Kelce’s renewed commitment to his conditioning.

“He’s told people close to him that he’s lost about 25 pounds this offseason,” Fowler said. “He played a little bit heavier in 2024. It wasn’t where he wanted to be physically. He vowed to change it, and he has.”

Kelce, who was listed at 250 pounds last season, has always been known for his blend of size, agility, and football IQ. But 2024 wasn’t his best year. He finished the regular season with just 823 receiving yards and three touchdowns — his lowest full-season numbers since his rookie campaign, when he didn’t log a single reception. While still a dangerous red zone threat and a crucial part of Kansas City’s offensive scheme, Kelce’s decline in production fueled questions about whether his best days were behind him.

The weight loss is more than just a cosmetic change. For aging athletes, especially in skill positions, shedding extra weight can be a strategic move aimed at extending their careers. With each year, players like Kelce have to contend with the subtle but steady erosion of speed, mobility, and durability. Dropping pounds can help mitigate the effects of aging, possibly allowing Kelce to recapture some of the quickness and separation ability that has made him such a nightmare for opposing defenses over the past decade.

Still, there’s a delicate tradeoff. Extra weight for a tight end also serves as protection — a natural armor, especially when blocking or absorbing hits across the middle. By slimming down, Kelce may increase his speed, but he risks losing some of that physical edge he’s been known for. That makes his decision all the more telling. It’s not just about staying in the league — it’s about competing at the highest level again.

The transformation speaks volumes about how seriously Kelce is taking this upcoming season. He wasn’t satisfied with his performance last year. He wasn’t satisfied with how he felt. And as speculation continues to swirl that 2025 might be his final NFL campaign, Kelce seems determined to go out on his own terms — not with a whimper, but with a comeback.

He confirmed his return in a February text to ESPN’s Pat McAfee, saying: “I’m coming back, for sure. Gonna try and get to the best shape I’ve been this offseason and get back to the mountaintop. Got a real bad taste in my mouth with how I played in that last game and how I got the guys ready for battle. I can’t go out like that!!!!”

Those close to Kelce — including his longtime quarterback Patrick Mahomes — haven’t seen any signs of the star tight end slowing down mentally or emotionally. If anything, Mahomes says Kelce’s drive is still operating at full throttle.

“If it’s the last ride, you would never know,” Mahomes said during a press conference at the end of May. “The way he’s talking about football, the way he’s working and trying to be even better this year than he was last year, he doesn’t seem like a guy who’s done. He’s still hungry.”

Kelce has not appeared at voluntary offseason activities but is expected to be in attendance when mandatory minicamp opens. Despite missing organized team activities, he was spotted recently with girlfriend Taylor Swift at Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final, looking noticeably leaner. Social media was quick to note the difference in his frame — a subtle but powerful indication that his offseason efforts have been real and intentional.

As the Chiefs begin preparing for another run at the title, all eyes will be on Kelce — not just to see if he can recapture his old form, but to see if this version of him can evolve and adapt. For a player with his résumé and experience, the legacy is already secure. But for Kelce, that doesn’t seem to be enough. This isn’t just a comeback; it’s a personal challenge.

The Chiefs will kick off their 2025 campaign in an international spotlight, opening the season against the Los Angeles Chargers in Brazil on September 5. By then, we’ll get our first look at the new, lighter Travis Kelce in action — and a glimpse at whether the weight loss translates into a late-career resurgence.

If this truly is his final season, Kelce is making sure it won’t be remembered for what he lacked, but for how far he pushed himself to stay at the top.