Travis Kelce’s final countdown begins after Andy Reid picks Noah Gray to carry tight end legacy

Head coach Andy Reid formally designated tight end Noah Gray as Travis Kelce's replacement at the Kansas City Chiefs' 2025 training camp. As Travis Kelce approaches the later stage of his career, this move demonstrates that the team is thinking ahead.

Andy Reid and the coaches are getting ready for Travis Kelce's retirement day even though he is playing well.

Having been with the club since 2021, Noah Gray is now more important. Learning from Travis Kelce, he is beginning to demonstrate his readiness for the following level.

Andy Reid names Travis Kelce’s successor as Noah Gray takes on bigger role

On August 5, 2025, in Kansas City at training camp, head coach Andy Reid (age 67) approved an updated team depth chart that lists Noah Gray as the official backup tight end behind Travis Kelce.

Andy Reid commented, “You hope he plays forever … but that’s probably not gonna happen to any of us,” acknowledging Travis Kelce may not be around indefinitely. Travis Kelce enters the final season of his two‑year, $34.25 million contract signed in April 2024.Travis Kelce has also shed about 25 pounds this offseason, aiming to be sharper and more agile but signs suggest this may be the beginning of his twilight years on the field.

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Noah Gray is rising and learning from the best

Noah Ryan Gray, born April 30, 1999, from Laconia, New Hampshire, was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 5th round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Duke. In the 2024 season, Noah Gray posted career highs: 40 catches, 437 yards, and five touchdowns, marking him as the team’s “most improved player” for that year.Noah Gray’s development continued into 2025 through 10 games so far, he has already caught 23 passes for about 249 yards, nearly matching his previous season pace. Quoting Jason Dunn, a former Chiefs tight end who observed camp:“I watched him … finishing every play, going to go score.”Jason Dunn added, “The man’s having fun—and it shows”. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has noted Noah Gray’s clutch learning from Trwvis Kelce and others. Noah Gray’s blend of size, durable hands, and savvy route running echoes Travis Kelce’s early path and may give the Kansas City Chiefs confidence that he can be the next focal tight end, even if Travis Kelce stays around for now.