Andy Reid Issues Bold Statement on Kelce’s Return: ‘Maybe the Best of All Time’

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid recently weighed in on Travis Kelce’s decision to return for a 13th NFL season, making a bold statement on the legendary tight end’s place in history. Kelce, who was at the center of the Chiefs’ offense for over a decade, had fans and analysts speculating about his future following the team’s Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Kelce himself had admitted that he wasn’t at his best during the Super Bowl, where he caught only four passes in the 40-22 defeat. “I wasn’t focused,” Kelce said, reflecting on the lackluster performance. “I feel like I owe the guys that I come into that building with a whole lot more effort and focus.” He admitted that the sting of the loss left him with a “real bad taste” and motivated him to continue pushing forward, fueling his decision to return for another season.

Reid, however, is confident that Kelce’s commitment to the game is unwavering. Speaking on The Bettor Angle podcast, the Chiefs coach was effusive in his praise of Kelce. “He said he was coming back, and he’s all in,” Reid shared. “He’s a heck of a player. I mean listen, he’s getting older but you’re talking about the guy that’s going to go down as maybe the best of all time at that position.”

Kelce’s impact on the field is undeniable. Despite a somewhat quieter 2024 regular season, where he recorded his fewest receiving yards (823) and touchdowns (three) since his second year, Reid emphasized that Kelce’s legacy is secure. “If he’s a step slower or whatever people are saying, he’s still one of the best in the National Football League and in my eyes, he’s the best,” Reid added, underscoring Kelce’s enduring greatness.

The tight end’s commitment to his craft is also evident off the field, with Reid highlighting his leadership qualities. “Whatever he does on the field, the greatness that he is there, he’s even that much better off the field,” Reid said. “He’s a great teammate and a great human being, one of those guys you’d say—he’s not going to do it—but one of those guys you’d say, ‘I’d love to have him on my staff when he’s done playing.’”

Kelce’s return is sure to inspire both his teammates and fans, especially as he looks to bounce back from a disappointing finish in New Orleans. While his numbers may have dipped in 2024, his drive and determination remain at the forefront of the Chiefs’ plans as they look to regroup and continue their pursuit of another championship.

In the end, Reid’s statement reflects not just Kelce’s on-field accomplishments but his entire legacy. As he gears up for another season, Kelce remains one of the most dynamic and beloved figures in the NFL, and with his unwavering focus, he could very well be on the path to securing his place as the best tight end to ever play the game.