Chiefs' Travis Kelce says he can still 'play at a high level' - ESPN

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce says he believes he can perform at a higher level in what could be his final NFL season, adding that he also wants to be more accountable as a leader in the locker room.

«I've still got a lot of love for this game,» Kelce said Wednesday. «I want to go out there and prove to myself that I can play at a better level than I did last year. That's probably the biggest thing for me, is making sure I'm accountable to the guys in this [locker] room and every single play that I'm out there.»

Kelce, 36, returned to the Chiefs in March on a one-year, $12 million contract with a maximum value of $15 million.

Since then, the four-time All Pro tight end has been a constant presence, whether during the Chiefs' offseason program or during training camp. He has showcased his usual receiving skills in the practices at Missouri Western State but has also put an emphasis on making contested catches.

"[Just] being more accountable when the ball is in the air," Kelce said. «There were a few games last year that I felt like I put on myself. In the blocking world, being able to get my guy so we can spring guys for bigger gains. And just being a better leader.

»When we get stuck with adversity hitting, who's going to want to be in that foxhole with you. I want to be one of those guys everybody counts on to get us out of that foxhole."

Kelce led the Chiefs in targets (108), receptions (76), yards (851), touchdowns (five) and receiving first downs (45) last season.

Two of his biggest mistakes, however, were when he dropped Patrick Mahomes passes that led directly to interceptions.

In a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Chiefs were just 6 yards away from taking a 17-13 lead early in the