Travis Kelce’s decision to return to the gridiron for another season has dominated the conversation this NFL offseason, and two Super Bowl champions recently offered up their takes on his undeniable impact on the Kansas City Chiefs.
Whether drawing defensive attention, creating opportunities for emerging stars, or stepping up as the vocal leader, the future Hall of Famer’s influence goes beyond the stat sheet.
LeSean McCoy on Travis Kelce’s Impact: Even Swifties Give Chiefs an Edge
With Kansas City looking to reload for another championship run — and even hungrier after the embarrassing loss — Kelce’s presence is critical both on and off the field. But some fans and media members have debated that the tight end is washed.
Super Bowl champion running back LeSean McCoy, a teammate of Kelce’s in 2019, isn’t worried about the Chiefs’ tight end’s declining stats — believing the Kansas City star remains a critical piece of the offense.
“He’s still viable because defenses are still gonna pay attention to him,” McCoy said on Fox Sports 1’s “The Facility.”
McCoy argues that the Chiefs getting key players back will only help Kelce’s case. Beyond Rashee Rice returning and the potential re-signing of Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, he expects Kansas City to add another top receiver, making Kelce even more dangerous.
“[Rice and Brown] will be the main guys on the outside, but Kelce is still gonna be a big factor because … imagine Kelce being your third option. Oh my god.”
.@CutOnDime25 emphasizes the importance of Travis Kelce's return for Chiefs SB hopes:
"You can’t replace confidence and leadership." pic.twitter.com/MtqspBEdYt
— The Facility (@TheFacilityFS1) February 27, 2025
Beyond his on-field impact, McCoy sees Kelce as the team’s vocal leader.
“You talk about LeBron James being a leader and all that… that’s what Kelce is,” McCoy said. “There are times in the huddle where we’re behind, or we’re not playing well. And Patrick [Mahomes] is not jumping in everybody’s face. Pat’s ballin’; that’s what he does. But he’s not the most vocal guy. It’s Kelce. Them young guys, they lookin’ up to Kelce.
“When we in meeting rooms and we’re not playing well… Kelce was talking. He gives you a sense of reassurance or confidence that we’re good. Kelce’s biggest thing is confidence. He makes everybody in that huddle believe. I think, when he leaves the Chiefs, they’ve gotta find somebody to replace that because you can’t replace confidence and leadership. I think Kelce gives you all those things.”
McCoy took things one step further, crediting fans of Kelce’s girlfriend, international superstar Taylor Swift.
“And the last thing is, them Swifties. You need them Swifties in the building. It’s like a 12th man on the field.”
Chase Daniel: Kelce’s Return Is Crucial for Chiefs’ Super Bowl Hopes
Former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel, a member of the 2010 Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints, also believes Kelce’s return is crucial for the Chiefs’ chances of making another Super Bowl run.
Daniel highlighted Kelce’s 97 catches on 133 targets last season as proof of his continued dominance.
“I don’t know for certain if they make it back to the Super Bowl without Travis Kelce,” Daniel said. “That says his story on the field, which is a bonafide No. 1 tight end. And, in my opinion, one of the greatest of all time — if not the greatest.”
How important is Travis Kelce’s return for the Chiefs? @ChaseDaniel weighs in:
“Kelce’s value this next season will be the things he does off the field.” pic.twitter.com/mC1r43I2GC
— The Facility (@TheFacilityFS1) February 27, 2025
Beyond the numbers, Daniel sees Kelce as the Chiefs’ emotional leader, even ahead of Patrick Mahomes and Chris Jones.
“Patrick Mahomes is a lead-by-example guy… Travis Kelce, even as a young guy, was a rah-rah, in-your-face, gotta-have-it.”
Kelce’s leadership extends to his relationship with head coach Andy Reid, who often turns to him in critical moments. With Rice and Xavier Worthy emerging and potential top-tier additions, Kelce may be the team’s fourth option in 2025.
But as Daniel put it, “97 catches for a fourth option? Sign me up.”