Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp Quotes: Travis Kelce, Chase Daniel, Weston Dressler, And More

Aug 9, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) against the New Orleans Saints during a preseason game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Chiefs 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

TRAVIS KELCE

Q: When did you learn that you weren’t going to come back, that it was over with for you? Did they shut you down at some point or did you know in your mind something was wrong?

KELCE: “I knew something was wrong, but I couldn’t tell you what it was at the time. It was when we did the scope that I knew it was over for a while, I didn’t think it would be season ending. But that’s in the past and I’m ready for this year.”

Q: How’s the knee feeling right now?

KELCE: “It feels good. I’m out here trying to get reps and trying to get back into football shape so I can play a full 16 game season.”

Q: Given the complexity of micro fracture surgery, what did you do to get the knee strengthened up?

KELCE: “Getting the whole leg strength, the quad strength, the calf strength. Sitting around for such a long time just waiting for it to heal, I’m trying to get those muscles to trigger and fire and get my explosiveness back. That was probably the hardest and the longest to do.

Q: I guess a sign that your knee is ok is that you were out there long snapping. That’s a test of the knee, isn’t it?

KELCE: “That’s just the kind of player I am. Anything the coaching staff needs me to do or try, I’ll do.  We don’t have a long snapper right now so the coaches wanted me to go ahead and give it a try.

Q: Any experience with it at all?

KELCE: “Actually, the first position I ever played was long snapper in high school. Then I eventually moved to quarterback, but that was back in the day.”

AA: Whoa, wait – Travis Kelce played quarterback in high school? That must have been fun to watch.

Q: Any advice from your brother on that technique?

KELCE: “No, I could give him some advice though.”

Q: A year ago you were the talk of the OTA and you were tearing it up on this field. How tough was it last year considering the knee?

KELCE: “It was tough just because I couldn’t be out there with the team. The fact that we went 9-0 the first 9 games, it was easier than if we were losing. But at the same time, I’m a guy that just wants to go compete. So it was pretty tough for me.

Q: I don’t see any wrap, tape, or anything, is that a good sign for the knee?

KELCE: “I believe so. Especially after today it feels pretty good.”

AA: This is great to hear.

Q: What do you bring to this offense and how would you like to contribute this year?

KELCE: “I contribute with my effort and overall athleticism. Just being able to go out there and be accountable for every single play and for every single guy on this team. “

Q: Any concerns about getting hit that first time and bouncing up and being fine?

KELCE: “We’ll see, I don’t have any worries or anything like that.”

Q: How’d it happen last year? Was it the preseason game in Pittsburg?

KELCE: “I couldn’t tell you. Going into a couple practices it didn’t feel right and from there it just kind of went downhill.”