Travis Kelce isn’t putting up video game numbers every week anymore. But when it’s playoff time, when the lights are bright and the game’s on the line? That man delivers. Chiefs GM Brett Veach just said the quiet part out loud, Kelce might not be “all gas, no brakes” at 35, but when Kansas City needs him the most, he shows up like clockwork.

So no, he’s not washed. He’s just pacing himself for the big stuff and the Chiefs are totally cool with that.

Brett Veach keeps it real about Travis Kelce: he’s not elite every Sunday, but still deadly when it counts
In a recent interview, Veach explained that Kelce “may not have it every week,” but the greats like him know how to find it when it matters. Basically, he’s saying Kelce isn’t in his prime anymore but he’s still got that “clutch gene,” and that’s all Kansas City really needs.“They can’t access it week in and week out, but when they need it, they know how to find it,” Veach told NBC Sports.He’s not lying. Last season, Kelce’s numbers dipped, he posted his lowest receiving yards since 2015. But then came the postseason. And just like that, vintage Kelce reappeared, wrecking defenses, converting third downs, and catching touchdown passes like he was 27 again.

At 35, Kelce is shifting into ‘smart veteran’ mode and the Chiefs are adapting too
Let’s face it: playing tight end at an elite level in your mid-30s is no joke. Kelce’s been doing it for over a decade. Now, the Chiefs are leaning into a new game plan, less grind in the regular season, more gas in the playoffs.

Coach Andy Reid and Veach are clearly planning for this version of Kelce: still lethal, just more calculated. They’re not expecting him to torch linebackers every single Sunday, they just want him to be fresh and dangerous when it’s do-or-die.

So is retirement coming soon? Maybe. But Kelce’s not done terrorizing defenses just yet
Sure, Kelce has dropped hints about possibly retiring sooner than later. But right now? He’s still under contract through 2025 and hasn’t slowed down when it matters most. His chemistry with Patrick Mahomes remains unreal.

He’s still the most feared TE in the league when the playoffs hit.

Veach clearly still believes in him, and let’s be real, Mahomes without Kelce just doesn’t feel right. Until further notice, the Kelce show is still running strong in Kansas City.

Travis Kelce may not be weekly highlight-reel material anymore but he’s still the Chiefs’ playoff cheat code
This isn’t about decline. It’s about evolution. Travis Kelce has nothing left to prove in the regular season. He’s done the 1,000-yard campaigns. He’s won the rings. Now? He’s just making sure he saves the firepower for when it really matters.And if the Chiefs need one big play in January? You already know who Mahomes is calling.