Alarm bells ring for Chiefs as Travis Kelce is reported "under the weather" before anticipated season opener
The veteran tight end missed Kansas City's annual kickoff luncheon just days before the new season.
Concerns have emerged around Travis Kelce shortly before the Kansas City Chiefs begin their 2026 season after the veteran tight end was absent from the team's annual kickoff luncheon.
Kansas City Star reporter Pete Sweeney relayed the update on September 1, citing Chiefs radio voice Mitch Holthus .
"Travis Kelce is not at the Chiefs' annual kickoff luncheon. Under the weather, per Mitch Holthus," Sweeney reported.
No further details about Kelce's condition were provided, and there is currently no indication that the illness is serious or that his availability for the season opener is in danger.
Travis Kelce absence raises questions
The timing naturally attracted attention because Kelce is preparing for his 14th NFL season after deciding against retirement during the offseason.
The 36-year-old has spoken openly about still having unfinished business.
"I've had a lot of success in the NFL, but I'm still reaching for that perfection," Kelce told Vogue. "I still haven't played the perfect game."
Kelce then made clear how motivated he remains heading into the season.
"Year 14, baby, I'm fired up. Every year there's a chance to do something special, but especially coming into this year, getting Pat [Mahomes] back and wiping the slate clean."
Kelce caught 76 passes for 851 yards last season after recording a career low 823 receiving yards in 2024.
Chiefs still expecting plenty from Kelce
Despite questions over whether age is beginning to affect his production, Kansas City coach Andy Reid has praised Kelce's preparation.
"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 said.
Kelce also enters the season within reach of another major NFL milestone.
He has 13,002 career receiving yards and needs just 45 more to pass Jason Witten for second place on the all-time receiving yards list among tight ends.
That makes any health update involving Kelce notable, especially so close to the start of the regular season.
For now, though, the only confirmed information is that he was "under the weather" and missed the Chiefs ' luncheon. There has been no report suggesting anything more serious, leaving Kansas City waiting for its next update before the anticipated opener.
