Travis Kelce has become Chiefs’ super-utility player
Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce is thriving in a role that typically isn’t one you’d expect to see from a star player.
Without starting fullback Anthony Sherman in the lineup as he remains on the reserve/COVID-19 list, Kelce has earned some snaps in the backfield, playing fullback. It’s not so different from the in-line and wing blocking roles that he’s asked to do as a tight end.
“I mean, at the tight end position, you’re asked to do so many things,” Kelce explained on Wednesday. “You play a lot of different positions essentially. You’ll see me split out wide singled up like a wide receiver. In the Buffalo game and in previous games, you see me in the backfield. I’ve also played in-line tight end also to the H-back tight end or the adjuster, as we call it in this offense, to where you can kind of move me around and just put me anywhere. It’s prideful, man. It’s prideful.”
Kelce is doing the dirty work, blocking and clearing lanes in the running game. But he’s also pacing for a monster season in the passing game. We’ve yet to hit the halfway point of the season and he’s already recorded 40 receptions for 501 yards and five touchdowns.
His ability to go from dynamic receiving threat to blocking maven is rare. It’s evidence that he’s become a super-utility type of player for Kansas City.
“I’m technically the utility guy on the field,” Kelce said. “Whether you need a plumber or an electrician, man, I’m here for you. Whatever the coaches and the guys on this team need me to do, I feel like throughout the week I hone in on those fundamentals, I focus on my job and what I have to do to help make this offense click. Whether that’s playing fullback, playing wideout or getting back there and running a wildcat and playing QB. I’m ready for it all and I get excited about it all. It’s a thanks to my coaches for giving me the opportunity to showcase my skills like that.”
Blocking is almost expected for tight ends in the NFL, even those who are as productive as Kelce in the passing game. His super-utility comes from the fact that the Chiefs also use him on the defensive side of the ball when defending against the hail mary. He often takes wildcat snaps at QB for the team and runs option types of plays. He can line up anywhere on the offensive side of the ball and find success as a receiver. It’s also the fact that he’s the emergency offensive tackle in the event that other players succumb to injury.
Kelce will very literally fill any role where the coaching staff needs him and thrives while doing so. He does so without complaint, a testament to his growth as a player and a professional. It’s also a sign of his own love for the game to find such success in this role.
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