Travis Kelce is back for his 14th NFL season with the Kansas City Chiefs, but not everyone believes the veteran tight end can still perform at a high level.
Podcaster Scott Ferrall delivered a blunt assessment of Kelce ahead of the 2026 season, declaring the 36-year-old “washed” and questioning the Chiefs’ decision to bring him back.
“Travis Kelce, I don’t believe that anymore. I think he’s starting to look washed to me,” Ferrall said on X. “I don’t think the Chiefs should’ve signed him again. I could care less who he’s married to, Taylor Swift or otherwise!”
The criticism comes as Kelce prepares for another season alongside a recuperating Patrick Mahomes. While his production has declined from the record-setting numbers he posted earlier in his career, his 2025 statistics and recent comments from Chiefs teammates and coaches paint a different picture.
Chiefs Fans Push Back on Brutal Travis Kelce ‘Washed’ Claim
Ferrall’s comments quickly drew responses from football fans, including some who weren’t ready to write Kelce off before the season even begins.
“Let’s see how he performs in preseason before you predict his demise. Keep your negativity to yourself!!!” one person responded.
“The Swifties aren’t going to be happy…” another wrote.
Others agreed that Kelce’s best statistical seasons may be behind him. One commenter claimed, “He’s only there to collect a paycheck now,” and predicted fans shouldn’t expect “record-setting numbers” from the veteran this season.
Kelce, however, remained productive during the teams disappointing 2025 season. He played all 17 regular-season games, recorded more than 850 receiving yards and caught five touchdowns while averaging 11.2 yards per reception.
He also remained among the league’s top tight ends. Kelce finished the season with an 80.6 score in PFN’s TE Impact Metric, fifth-best at the position. He was one of only six tight ends to finish with a score of at least 80.0.
Andy Reid Says Chiefs Had to ‘Yank’ Travis Kelce Out of Practice
Kelce also spent training camp showing Chiefs coaches that his age hasn’t changed his approach.
Kansas City wrapped training camp on August 20, and head coach Andy Reid specifically highlighted Kelce while discussing the example the team’s veterans set for a roster that has gotten considerably younger.
“You have examples like Kelce — he’s the oldest guy on the team and came out every day and worked to where you had to yank him out of there to give him a breather,” Reid told reporters.
Linebacker Nick Bolton noticed the same thing.
“There’s no excuses when you have the old guy out there running routes and stuff like that,” Bolton said. “It’s been fun to watch him work.”
Reid also praised Kelce and Mahomes for how they approached camp.
“They worked hard, and I appreciated that,” Reid said. “I thought we made progress.”
Travis Kelce Returns for Another Run With Patrick Mahomes & Chiefs
Kelce’s decision to return gives Kansas City another year with the Mahomes-Kelce combination that has played a major role in the franchise’s success.
His 14th season also comes after Kelce married Taylor Swift at Madison Square Garden on July 3. Swift has regularly supported Kelce at Chiefs games throughout their relationship, although Kelce’s focus throughout August has remained on preparing for the upcoming season.
Kansas City is attempting to rebound after missing the playoffs in 2025. Kelce’s training camp workload suggests he isn’t treating his latest season as a farewell tour.
Whether he can silence critics such as Ferrall will ultimately be determined once the games begin. The Chiefs open their 2026 regular season against the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium on September 14.
Travis Kelce Gets Harsh ‘Washed’ Verdict Before Chiefs Season as Andy Reid Says Otherwise