Travis Kelce might be one of the most recognizable faces in the NFL, but don’t let the celebrity fool you; he’s still putting in the work. While the Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up for another title run, their star tight end is busy helping shape the next generation.
This week, Kelce co-hosted Tight End University (TEU) in Nashville, the fifth edition of the three-day summit he launched with George Kittle and Greg Olsen. It’s part reunion, part offseason grind, and part masterclass in what it takes to be elite at one of football’s toughest positions.
What Did Travis Kelce Reveal at Tight End University?
In a clip posted by the NFL on Tuesday, Kelce explained one of the finer details of his game: how to separate cleanly at the top of a route.
“For us big guys,” Kelce said, “it’s so hard to just throw one foot in the ground at 75% speed and get out of there.” Instead, he emphasized the need for multiple steps, sometimes even three, on longer routes, saying that balance and momentum control are everything when trying to gain separation.
“So we want to use two steps. If you can get two, sometimes it takes three on the 15 to 20 yard routes if you’re lucky enough to run them. But for me, getting in and out of a break, you have to slow that momentum down and really gather that power so that you can explode out,” Kelce said.
Taking notes at Professor @tkelce‘s class at @te_university 🫡 pic.twitter.com/X24Ko8sV6G
— NFL (@NFL) June 24, 2025
Kelce explained that the key is to enter the break with power and stability, often leading with the instep toward the intended direction. “If a defender’s on me,” he said, “I’m still strong getting out of that thing.” He stressed that separation starts with technique, not just speed, and that shoulder-over-toe mechanics are vital to staying precise through every cut.
Kelce’s Stats, Records Prove He’s Still Among the NFL’s Elite
Now 35, Kelce has nothing left to prove. He holds virtually every meaningful tight end record, from most seasons with 1,000 receiving yards (7) to most receiving yards in a single season (1,416 in 2020). He’s also the Chiefs’ all-time receptions leader with 1,004 career catches.
But even after 12 seasons, 77 touchdowns, and three Super Bowl rings, Kelce isn’t coasting. His work at TEU shows he’s still evolving and teaching others how to do the same.
The Chiefs didn’t finish last season with a title, but with Kelce leading on and off the field, Kansas City’s offense remains in elite hands.