Kelce: I want a title ‘more than I ever wanted one in my life’

Despite sporting a pair of Super Bowl rings, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce isn’t using past success as motivation ahead of Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens.

“I ain’t thinking about a single one I already accomplished,” Kelce said Friday. “I’m thinking about this one on Sunday. I want it more than I ever wanted one in my life.”

The Chiefs are just one win away from securing their fourth trip to the Super Bowl over the last five years. Kelce, alongside quarterback Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid, has been integral in Kansas City’s prolific run.

The 34-year-old said he’s gained additional motivation to remain on top of his game after hearing remarks about a drop-off in play.

“It’s a challenge to find new ways to have success. And I think that this is what this year has brought for me,” he said. “Figuring out how I can get the best out of myself. Figure out how I can get the best out of my teammates. All at the same time, being a great leader. Bringing that energy. Showing for the young guys that determined mindset you got to have week in and week out. And you know what? I love that challenge.”

With 145 overall postseason catches, Kelce is just seven away from breaking Hall of Famer Jerry Rice’s all-time record. He also sits second behind Rice with 1,694 postseason receiving yards and 18 touchdowns.

“It’s been a hell of a ride up to this point, baby. I don’t feel like getting off the roller coaster any time soon,” Kelce said.

He added that while playoff experience is “vital,” it’s also a “luxury” that players can’t completely depend upon when entering critical matchups.

“We’re resilient. We grew together. You saw the struggles. You saw the growth. I think that’s what makes us special,” Kelce said. “You just come into that locker room, you’ll see the chemistry. You’ll see how much we want it for the guy next to us. That’s when you know you got a real good team.”