Patrick Mahomes reacts to Travis Kelce development away from Kansas City: Why Chiefs may have cause for concern

The 35-year-old tight end gave fans an update as to life over the NFL offseason

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) talks to tight end Travis Kelce (87) at NFL football training camp Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in St. Joseph, Mo.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end Travis Kelce spent the offseason in the global spotlight and it certainly caught the eye of his quarterback, as Patrick Mahomes celebrated his development with Taylor Swift.

The tight end recently posted a 13-slide Instagram highlight reel of their offseason adventures, drawing millions of likes and becoming his most popular post to date as he shared glimpses into life dating the popstar.

And the 29-year-old Mahomes, known for his leadership both on and off the field, reacted with just two emojis of a heart and a flexed bicep and thus offering his approval to the veteran.

It was a brief but pointed show of support from Mahomes, who understands the demands of constant attention on his actions, thanks to his status as the most prominent player in the league.

Once again, it underscores Mahomes’ commitment to his teammates and comes at a vital time ahead of the 2025/26 NFL season as the Chiefs aim to regain their status as champions following their defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Could it give Kelce the motivational boost he needs as he focuses on adjusting to an evolving offensive scheme in Kansas City as Andy Reid makes tactical changes to accommodate injuries, legal troubles, and inconsistencies within the team’s wide receiver unit?

Kelce’s new step with Taylor Swift: What does it mean for Pat Mahomes?

Kelce’s offseason post, featuring luxury getaways, snowy landscapes, and appearances alongside celebrities like Erin Andrews and Charissa Thompson, marked the first time he had publicly shared a photo with Swift.

It indicates a new step in their bond and comes ahead of their second-year anniversary, due in August 2025, as they celebrate their lives together and ability to manage several storms such as media scrutiny and scheduling demands.

Mahomes, who once admitted to encouraging Kelce to pursue Swift by inviting him to her concert, now sees his tight end as both a global celebrity and the centerpiece of Kansas City’s offense.

With Rashee Rice facing a suspension following legal issues and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown battling injuries, the Chiefs’ receiving corps remains in flux. Travis, as a tried-and-tested veteran, offers a beacon of stability.

So despite hopes of reducing Kelce’s workload due to age and physical wear, Reid has shifted plans, bringing the offense back to its core: Mahomes and his trusy tight end vs 17 NFL defenses.

Kelce is entering his 13th NFL season with over 1,000 career receptions and three Super Bowl titles and although his 2024 season saw a statistical dip of 823 yards and 97 catches, he remained Mahomes’ most trusted target.

Reid, faced with a depleted and uncertain receiver room, is expected to expand Kelce’s role once more despite initial intentions to limit his snap count. The move signals a familiar pattern for the Chiefs: when the system falters, they rely on what’s proven.