The Kansas City Chiefs are in unfamiliar territory - and for a franchise that's been a fixture in the postseason picture for nearly a decade, that's saying something. For the first time since 2014, Kansas City is staring down a December without playoff football on the horizon. And while the disappointment is real, veteran tight end Travis Kelce isn’t letting the team check out early.
On the latest episode of the New Heights podcast, Kelce opened up about the mindset he's bringing into the final stretch of the season. And if you thought a lost postseason meant a lost edge, think again.
“It’s obviously [expletive] up,” Kelce said bluntly. “But it’s a new feeling, so all I know is to go out there and play my [butt] off and to show up and give my guys the best chance to win.”
That’s the kind of leadership you expect from a guy who’s been at the heart of the Chiefs’ dynasty run - a player who’s racked up All-Pro honors, Super Bowl rings, and a Hall of Fame résumé, but still talks like a rookie trying to earn his spot.
Kelce didn’t sugarcoat the frustration. But he also made it clear that this is about more than standings or stats. For him, it’s about pride, professionalism, and honoring the game.
“There’s an integrity thing here,” he said. “When you sign up for the gig, you’re living out your dreams, you’re living out a kid’s dream that never got to do this.”
That sentiment hits hard. Because for all the headlines Kelce generates - from highlight-reel plays to off-field buzz - at his core, he’s still a guy who loves the game. And that love shows up in moments like this, when the stakes are lower on paper, but the character test is real.
“At the end of the day, man,” he added, “You’re playing in the NFL. And that’s a [expletive] blessing, that’s an honor.”
As for whether this might be Kelce’s final ride? He didn’t touch on that during the podcast.
And for now, that’s not the focus. What matters to him - and what should matter to fans - is how a team finishes when there’s nothing left to chase but pride.
Three games remain. No playoff berth on the line.
But don’t expect Kelce to coast. He’s still showing up, still grinding, still setting the tone.
Because that’s what pros do.