Travis Kelce has been so dominant for so long that you almost forget there was something amiss about his 2023 season. Sure, he had a terrific postseason and was vital in the Kansas City Chiefs‘ second successive Super Bowl triumph in February, but the fact remains that for the first time since 2015, Kelce did not reach 1,000 receiving yards in the regular season.

Nevertheless, Kelce says he is feeling great as he enters his 12th NFL season, and he wants the Chiefs to rely on him as they always have — up and until the “wheels fall off.” However, as Kansas City pursues what would be a historic three-peat, coach Andy Reid — unafraid to get in a confrontation with one of his stars — might have to make a tough choice about Kelce as he enters his age-35 season.

Will the Chiefs step in and limit Kelce?

Travis Kelce has been adamant about soldiering on as quarterback Patrick Mahomes‘ #1 option, and Kelce very well knows that he has a lucrative post-football career waiting for him — one loaded with endorsements and expansion of his “New Heights” podcast, which he co-hosts with older brother Jason. Kelce also has the small matter of his romantic relationship with superstar singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, with marriage rumors continuing to swirl around the power couple.

But while Kelce’s desire is to play without restrictions, Reid is likely going to have to take steps to conserve his workhorse’s energy for the games that really matter — the ones in December, January, and February, should the Chiefs make it to Super Bowl LIX.

Kelce is a true pro and a class act on and off the field, and he may be amenable to a slightly-reduced role — especially if new receivers Marquise Brown and Xavier Worthy hit the ground running, giving Mahomes two reliable targets besides Kelce. However, as the highest-paid tight end in football, it is safe to assume Kelce will continue to be a central part of the Kansas City offense in 2024 — and he will no doubt be motivated to hit the 1,000-yard mark after missing it by 16 yards in 2023.