It’s not the usual convincing season for the Kansas City Chiefs. But ahead of the Championship Game at the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday (21:00, live ticker), Travis Kelce invokes the team spirit

No, the Kansas City Chiefs’ entry into the playoffs wasn’t a walk in the park. Comparatively bumpy would probably be a better description.

In the Patrick Mahomes era at quarterback, the Chiefs have never had as many losses as the six they had this year and have never been seeded so low (seed number three).

But the fact is: The Chiefs are in the championship game for the sixth time in a row and are on the verge of their fourth Super Bowl appearance since 2018.

“We’re resilient,” tight end Travis Kelce said: “We’ve grown together. You’ve seen the struggles, you’ve seen the growth. I think that’s what makes us special, but when you walk into the locker room, you see the chemistry. You’ll see how much we want it for the guy next to us, and that’s when you know you have a really good team.”

But not only did the Chiefs perform a bit below their usual numbers and self-image, Kelce also missed his very high statistical bar more often than usual.

“It’s a challenge to find new ways to succeed,” said Kelce when asked what he still had in the tank.

He continued: “I think that’s what this year has brought for me, that obstacle and figuring out how to get the best out of myself and my teammates. At the same time, I’m a great leader, bringing that energy and showing the young players what a determined attitude you have to have week in and week out. I love that challenge.”

The next challenge is now the Ravens on Sunday. Previous Super Bowl appearances don’t matter to Kelce.

“I’m not thinking about one that I’ve already achieved,” said the 34-year-old: “I’m thinking about this Sunday, and I want it more than I’ve ever wanted it in my life. “