Travis Kelce Sets Championship-or-Bust Standard for Chiefs Teammates

Travis Kelce has one goal this season, winning a Super Bowl, and has made it clear to his teammates that anything short of this would be a failure.

Travis Kelce Sets Championship-or-Bust Standard for Chiefs Teammates

Travis Kelce (Image via IMAGO)

The Kansas City Chiefs have set the expectations for themselves sky high in the upcoming season. Since 2018, the team has made it to five Super Bowls, winning three of those. Last year, the Chiefs attempted to create history by winning their third consecutive ring; however, Jalen Hurts and his Eagles had different plans as the team beat KC 40-22.

The Chiefs’ offense failed to click in Super Bowl LIX. Hall of Fame tight end Travis Kelce did not play well as he finished with four receptions and 39 yards. The off-season began with doubt being cast over Kelce’s future with the Chiefs. Rumors surfaced that the tight end is considering retirement, but he wasted no time in confirming that he will be back for another year.

Kelce isn’t coming back to end up in second place this time.The tight end set clear expectations for the upcoming season, Super Bowl or bust.

(A Super Bowl win) is the only way I’d determine whether it’s a success or not. It’s just kind of how I’m wired…I just think it’s just more of a genuine feel and the right mentality to just go out there and try and make every play for my team whether it’s receiving or blocking or doing whatever I need to do.

Travis Kelce told the media during the team’s recent training camp.

This year, the three-time Super Bowl champion has all the vengeance to return and play the best football of his career. The Chiefs cruised through the regular season, dominating early on last year, but Philadelphia humbled them. The taunts from the likes of CJ Gardner-Johnson are all moments that have stuck with Kelce, motivating him to come back better.

Travis Kelce takes full accountability for the Chiefs’ loss in Super Bowl LIX

The tight end is not bothered that he fell short of another 1,000-receiving-yard season, but reiterated that he is focused on doing what it takes to win, even if it means just blocking and clearing the path for his teammates. He will be doing that a lot this year since Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown have returned from their injuries.

Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce
Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce will hope to end this season with a Super Bowl win (Image Credits: IMAGO)

Kelce took the fall for the team’s disastrous performance in the Super Bowl this year.

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. Last year wasn’t a success for me, and I’m motivated to make sure we get that other ring this year.

Throughout the season, Kansas City was consistently in the headlines. The media were interested in documenting every minute of the team’s activity due to the high expectations from Patrick Mahomes and Kelce. The latter was under added media scrutiny due to his budding relationship with pop star Taylor Swift.

This year, those distractions will return, but Kelce knows how to deal with such situations. The ten-time Pro Bowler disappeared from the public eye shortly after the Chiefs’ Super Bowl loss. He took his time to introspect and make a call on his future. Ultimately, Kelce realized that he was unable to put out “that fire in (his) chest to be able to keep coming in and building and be better and chase another Super Bowl.”

This is easier said than done, because the Chiefs will go up against the same heavy hitters once again this season. Josh Allen and the Bills continue to be a threat, and the Baltimore Ravens have improved by adding Jaire Alexander to strengthen their defense. Irrespective of how the season goes, there is a good chance that this is Kelce’s final season in the NFL.

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