During the early days of NFL training camp, Kansas City Chiefs’ Travis Kelce has become the center of an ongoing debate: has the star tight end acquired a ‘dad bod’? Recent photos of a seemingly thicker Kelce have sparked discussions among fans and internet commentators.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid quickly addressed these perceptions. Speaking to the media, Reid commented that Kelce may appear larger but remains in excellent condition. Reid stated, “He came back in good shape.”

“I know everybody’s out there saying he’s got the dad body and all this stuff, but he looks the same to me that he’s always looked, and [he’s] playing like crazy,” Coach Reid asserted. He assured that Kelce remains focused and ready for every practice.

Kelce’s official weight stands at 250 pounds. Observers may note a different story when viewing practice footage. At the age of 36, many consider this period a challenging time for tight ends.

Offseason activities for Kelce included significant media engagement, time on the Eras Tour, and his marriage to Taylor Swift in July. Despite these distractions, his competitive spirit endures. His last season numbers saw Kelce achieve 76 catches for 851 yards and five touchdowns. While decent for an average player, these figures mark a decline for Kelce himself.

Father Time affects all athletes and additional offseason weight is unlikely to improve performance. NFL legend Cris Carter recently stated that the upcoming season could be Kelce’s ‘last dance’. This statement fuels speculation among fans and fantasy football participants.

Every year, fantasy football enthusiasts hope a declining veteran will experience a resurgence. Yet, they often find themselves regretting their high draft picks by the fourth week. Instead of chasing nostalgia, focusing on emerging talents might prove more beneficial.

Readers are encouraged to share their views with Alejandro Avila at [email protected]. Follow updates on X: @alejandroaveela.