Andy Reid Opens Up On Why He Yanked Travis Kelce From Practice

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

Travis Kelce keeps proving age is just a number. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end is 36 years old, but that hasn’t stopped him. Despite being the oldest player on the roster, coach Andy Reid still had to force him to rest.

Reid spoke after training camp wrapped on August 20. He praised Kelce’s relentless work ethic. The veteran refused to take it easy, via Marca. Coaches stepped in multiple times during camp.

“You have examples like Kelce; he’s the oldest guy on the team and came out every day and worked to where you had to yank him out of there to give him a breather,” Reid said.

Travis Kelce Sets the Tone in Camp

Kelce enters his 14th NFL season with clear fire. Most players his age have already slowed down. He continues running routes and competing every day. Younger teammates notice the example he sets.

Linebacker Nick Bolton highlighted the impact.

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

Travis Kelce didn’t hesitate to show his intensity on the field. The clip drew strong fan attention. His approach helps shape a young Chiefs roster.

Kelce sat out the preseason opener against the Rams. Staff wanted to evaluate younger players. That decision did not slow his camp effort. He still pushed until coaches intervened.

Travis Kelce Refuses to Slow Down

Questions about retirement have followed Kelce for years. He addressed them directly in the offseason.

“I know I’m getting older, but at the same time I still feel like I got a lot that I can prove in this league,” he said.

He pointed to last season’s finish.

“Last year I think I failed especially in that last game, in being a leader and being the one that can step up and make plays.”

That motivation shows in camp.

Production dipped below 1,000 yards in recent seasons. He still led the Chiefs in receptions, yards and touchdowns last year. Experience and chemistry with Patrick Mahomes remain valuable.

Reid also addressed past Travis Kelce fat allegations. The current focus stays on his drive.

Reid hopes Kelce plays as long as possible. The coach knows careers end eventually. For now, the veteran shows no signs of coasting. Kansas City needs him healthy come regular season.