KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Leave it tight end Travis Kelce to tell Chiefs fans exactly what they wanted to hear about the team's annual kickoff luncheon hosted by the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce.
"I think we're going to pass the ball this year," Kelce said in response to moderator Mitch Holthus asking what excites him about the Chiefs' offense this year. "We're going to pass it a lot. Even when you think we're running it, we're probably going to pass. And then when you think we're going to pass, we're definitely passing."
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes couldn't stifle a chuckle while sitting alongside Kelce.
"I'm excited to catch as many passes from this guy as I can," Kelce said pointing to Mahomes. "Big Red, dial me up, baby. Let's go, Chiefs Kingdom."
And with that, the 2019 Chiefs season officially began.
The annual Kickoff Luncheon has served as a staple of the Kansas City community since the franchise's arrival in 1963. Wednesday marked the 57th kickoff event where coaches, players and members of the organization mingle with chamber members and the local business community.
This year's event, moderator by Holthus, featured interviews with head coach Andy Reid, general manager Brett Veach and a roundtable of eight players.
Mahomes told the crowd that the event highlighted the leadership on this year's team.
"We have guys that want to be great, and they understanding in order to be great, in order to get to the Super Bowl, in order to win it, it's a day-by-day process," Mahomes said. "I feel that understanding and the drive that we have within this whole room, from the fans to the team to coaches, no matter what it is, it's what going to get us to that Super Bowl in the end."