Travis Kelce misses Kansas City Chiefs kickoff luncheon due to illness
4 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 5, 2026, 11:32 AM
Last updated Sep 5, 2026
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce was absent from the team’s annual kickoff luncheon held just days before the start of the 2026 NFL regular season. Beat writer Pete Sweeney confirmed that Kelce missed the event due to illness, marking the first time the veteran player has skipped the traditional gathering. The absence occurred amid ongoing scrutiny regarding the 36-year-old’s durability and recent on-field performance. During recent training camp practices, coaching staff have intentionally limited his practice reps to ensure he remains rested. Despite the skepticism, Kelce has expressed motivation for his 14th season, stating that he remains focused on improvement as the team prepares for the upcoming schedule. Head coach Andy Reid continues to manage the veteran's workload by restricting his time during practice sessions.
- •Travis Kelce missed the annual Kansas City Chiefs kickoff luncheon due to illness.
- •This was the first time in his career that the tight end missed the team event.
- •Head coach Andy Reid has been limiting Kelce's practice workload to manage his fatigue.
- •Kelce is entering his 14th season with the Kansas City Chiefs.
- 11:32 AMYahoo Sports — Travis Kelce Fantasy Prediction 2026: Age 37, but the TE12 Price Still Works
- 11:30 AMYahoo Sports — Jason Kelce responds to public ‘fat shaming’ of Travis during Chiefs camp
- 6:19 AMYahoo Sports — Travis Kelce admits Patrick Mahomes’ ACL return played a role in decision to postpone retirement
- 4:04 AMYahoo Sports — Travis Kelce’s Latest Health Update Raises Eyebrows as Chiefs Prepare for Week 1
"Travis Kelce is 36 at this time and it’s safe to say that he is past is prime years of his career. He is regarded as one of the most prominent tight end of all time and is the most tenured player in the Kansas City Chiefs roster. But in the last phase of his […] The post Travis Kelce’s Latest Health Update Raises Eyebrows as Chiefs Prepare for Week 1 appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.
"Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce opened up about how watching Patrick Mahomes’ ACL recovery process made him want to play another season. The 36-year-old Kelce is returning for his 14th season with the Chiefs in 2026 despite heavy retirement rumors after missing the playoffs and Patrick Mahomes’ ACL tear.
"Travis Kelce has returned for the 2026 season in fine shape, but there were many people on the internet who would have you believe otherwise at the start of camp. It is year 14 for Kelce, who has not put up a 1,000 yard season since 2022 as both he and the Chiefs have a lot to prove over the coming months.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 5, 2026, 11:32 AMTravis Kelce Fantasy Prediction 2026: Age 37, but the TE12 Price Still Works
Travis Kelce is back for another season in Kansas City at 37 years old. Now, he is the oldest tight end in the league by a comfortable margin.
- Yahoo SportsSep 5, 2026, 11:30 AMJason Kelce responds to public ‘fat shaming’ of Travis during Chiefs camp
Travis Kelce has returned for the 2026 season in fine shape, but there were many people on the internet who would have you believe otherwise at the start of camp. It is year 14 for Kelce, who has not put up a 1,000 yard season since 2022 as both he and the Chiefs have a lot to prove over the coming months.
- Yahoo SportsSep 3, 2026, 6:19 AMTravis Kelce admits Patrick Mahomes’ ACL return played a role in decision to postpone retirement
Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce opened up about how watching Patrick Mahomes’ ACL recovery process made him want to play another season. The 36-year-old Kelce is returning for his 14th season with the Chiefs in 2026 despite heavy retirement rumors after missing the playoffs and Patrick Mahomes’ ACL tear.
- Yahoo SportsSep 3, 2026, 4:04 AMTravis Kelce’s Latest Health Update Raises Eyebrows as Chiefs Prepare for Week 1
Travis Kelce is 36 at this time and it’s safe to say that he is past is prime years of his career. He is regarded as one of the most prominent tight end of all time and is the most tenured player in the Kansas City Chiefs roster. But in the last phase of his […] The post Travis Kelce’s Latest Health Update Raises Eyebrows as Chiefs Prepare for Week 1 appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.
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