Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has undergone a significant physical transformation this offseason, reportedly shedding approximately 25 pounds in preparation for the 2025 NFL season. The weight loss and a revamped, plyometrics-heavy training routine are widely seen as a strategic move to rebound from a less impactful 2024 season and to maximize his performance as he enters what could be a defining contract year. While Kelce has downplayed the exact number, he confirmed he is “down some weight” and feeling good.
Reports suggest that a less hectic personal schedule, including reduced international travel with girlfriend Taylor Swift, has contributed to his focused approach. This renewed dedication has already drawn praise from Head Coach Andy Reid, who remarked that Kelce looks “svelte” and “like he’s 20” at training camp.
The Motivation Behind the Transformation: Bouncing Back from 2024
Kelce’s decision to “rebuild” his body comes after a 2024 season that saw him post career lows in receiving yards (823) and touchdowns (3), despite the Chiefs reaching Super Bowl LIX, where they ultimately lost to the Philadelphia Eagles 40-22. The tight end openly admitted to having a “bad taste” in his mouth regarding his performance in the championship game, fueling his desire for a strong comeback.
At 35 years old and entering his 13th NFL season, the upcoming 2025 season holds added significance for Kelce, as it marks the final year of his current contract. This contractual reality, coupled with earlier whispers about a “dad bod” and questions regarding if he was past his prime, appears to have intensified his commitment to elite fitness.
Taylor Swift’s Impact: A Calmer Offseason Leads to Focus
While Travis Kelce himself has not explicitly stated that Taylor Swift directly influenced his weight loss, various reports highlight how their relationship and his adjusted offseason schedule played a role. His previous spring and summer were described as “hectic,” filled with part-time TV jobs, a supporting role in “Happy Gilmore 2,” and extensive travel across Europe for Swift’s Eras Tour.
This offseason, a more subdued schedule and “less travel following girlfriend Taylor Swift around the globe” allowed Kelce to dedicate more time to his physical preparation. Sources also indicate a shift in his lifestyle, with a significant reduction in “partying” and “excessive alcohol” consumption. Though a known fan of treats, Kelce has reportedly scaled back on indulgences like Swift’s homemade Pop-Tarts, with a focus on a more disciplined diet. The couple also spent a portion of the offseason training together in Florida, which some observers, like Pat McAfee, believe reflects a mutual inspiration and motivation.
A New Regime: Plyometrics, Form-Running, and Lean Nutrition
Kelce’s new training routine is marked by a return to a plyometrics-heavy regimen, a method he has successfully employed earlier in his career. This approach emphasizes “fast and quick movements aimed at improving agility and overall fitness.” He also prioritized “form-running and some things early on in the offseason” that he previously lacked time for. His father, Ed Kelce, corroborated this, noting that his son’s workouts in Boca Raton involved a significant amount of plyometrics, box jumping, and cone drills, alongside weight training.
Beyond the intensified workouts with his personal trainers, Alex Skacel, Andrew Spruill, and Laurence Justin Ng, Kelce has also overhauled his diet. Under the guidance of personal chef Kumar Ferguson, his meals now lean towards “healthy steakhouse cuisine,” featuring lean proteins like steak and chicken, paired with seasonal vegetables. He has reportedly cut down on excessive barbecue feasts, processed foods, and specifically sausage, while prioritizing hydration and intentional nutrition to support energy, recovery, and muscle health. Despite these changes, Kelce maintains his pre-game ritual of French toast with strawberries.
Early Returns and High Expectations for the 2025 Season
The early indications from training camp and preseason games are positive. Head Coach Andy Reid enthusiastically described Kelce as “svelte” and noted his “visible burst,” stating, “He looks like he’s 20.” Quarterback Patrick Mahomes echoed this sentiment, observing Kelce’s “razor-sharp focus” and a reinvigorated commitment to the game.
In his first preseason appearance against the Chicago Bears on August 22, Kelce showcased his “restored burst and acceleration,” catching two passes for 32 yards and displaying his signature moves. His energetic pre-game warm-up, which included dancing and a nod to Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” via the Chiefs’ social media, further underscored his high spirits and readiness.
With a leaner physique, a focused training approach, and a strong drive to reclaim his top form, Travis Kelce appears poised for a resurgent 2025 season as the Chiefs aim for another Super Bowl run.
