Travis Kelce talks new role, James O’Shaughnessy
The Kansas City Chiefs and their millions of fans are looking forward to seeing Travis Kelce hit the field in his third professional season. Kelce, who came on strong last year after seeing his rookie campaign wiped away with microfracture surgery on his knee, is coming into camp with new expectations on him.
Last year, there was a hope Kelce would produce. Produce he did, racking up 862 receiving yards and five touchdowns, leading the team in both categories. This season, Kelce is taking over the top spot on the tight end depth chart with Anthony Fasano getting released in the offseason. On Wednesday, Kelce spoke with reporters and declared he is ready for the challenge, per a press release from the team.
"“I come in and I take the role. It’s as simple as that. It’s not a hidden secret or anything like that. I am probably the most comfortable in the offense for being on the field for an entire year. We have Richard Gordon who is a vet who knows a lot and understands the game very well and we’ll go from there. But it’s clearly my realm now. I am going to go ahead and take the bull by the horns and lead us to success.”"
Kelce also spoke about looking to improve on his breakout 2014 season, something that would help Kansas City’s burgeoning offense immeasurably.
"“Without a doubt. Just watching film, it goes week-by-week on the season and from here you can take it season-by-season. So every single day, every single week, I’m trying to get better at the small things. Detailed work. I was telling someone that that’s probably the biggest thing that I learned from (Anthony) Fasano is that coming out here and detailing my work and just becoming better and better every single thing on the small things.”"
Kelce is only in his third year, but he now takes on the mentor role for fifth-round draft pick James O’Shaughnessy. With Demetrius Harris recovering from foot surgery, O’Shaughnessy could be thrust into a bigger role for Kansas City sooner rather than later. It’s something Kelce has confidence in, should the situation arise.
"“James is a hard-worker. He’s a tough kid. He comes out, he puts his nose to the grind and tries to get better. He’s got a lot thrown at him right now. I’ve been in the position, and to be honest, it’s even more stressful on him because when I came in, everyone was getting used to the offense. Well everyone is already used to the offense right now. It’s kind of like he’s the young guy just getting told to do everything and every aspect of the game and it’s a lot at once, but he’s picking it up really well.”"