Chiefs WR Rashee Rice Admits Concern With Travis Kelce Before NFL Season

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is gearing up for his 13th NFL season, joining his teammates for a few sessions of organized team activities (OTAs).

Despite making his 10th Pro Bowl, Kelce had one of his worst statistical seasons in 2024, tallying 97 catches for 823 yards and three touchdowns. 

But the former Cincinnati Bearcats star has been working hard during the offseason to get back to his dominant self, losing "about 25 pounds" during the offseason, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Following the Super Bowl loss, Kelce took a few weeks to ponder retirement, but ultimately decided to return for another year. However, his potential retirement certainly worried fellow pass catcher Rashee Rice.

While Kelce and his girlfriend, Taylor Swift, made their way to Florida for Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final (NHL) between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers, Rice wound up in Houston, TX, for a youth football camp.

During said camp, Rice revealed how concerned he was that Kelce would retire.

"Yeah, I was real concerned, not gonna lie," Rice said. "That's Trav, but that's like me getting hurt last year. It's like kind of a wake-up call. I really wanted him to come back. Kinda realize the guys you got to play with once it's all over. So I get to actually be in my footsteps right now."

Rice has played alongside Kelce for two seasons now. However, just four games into 2024, he suffered an LCL tear, which ended the rest of his season. In his rookie year (2023), Rice proved he could be a top option for Patrick Mahomes, tallying 79 catches for 938 yards and seven touchdowns.

Rice, Kelce and the Chiefs will kick off the 2025 NFL season on Friday, Sept 5, facing the Los Angeles Chargers in Brazil.