After weeks of speculation about his future in the NFL, Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce has officially put retirement rumors to rest.
The 35-year-old tight end confirmed he will be returning for another season, determined to push himself to new heights.
“I’m coming back, for sure,” Kelce stated in a text message to Pat McAfee, which was read on air during The Pat McAfee Show on ESPN.
Kelce made it clear that he intends to use the offseason to get into peak condition.
“Gonna try and get to the best shape I’ve been this offseason and get back to the mountaintop,” he wrote. “Got a real bad taste in my mouth with how I played in that last game and how I got the guys ready for battle. I can’t go out like that!!!!”
Determined Comeback After Super Bowl Defeat
Kelce’s announcement comes just weeks after the Chiefs fell short in their bid for a historic three-peat, losing to the Philadelphia Eagles 40-22 in the Super Bowl on February 9.
While Kansas City secured back-to-back championships in 2023 and 2024, their latest loss left the veteran tight end with unfinished business.
Following the defeat, Kelce had hinted at retirement during an episode of his New Heights podcast, which he co-hosts with his brother, former NFL center Jason Kelce, who officially retired in March 2024.
“I know everybody wants to know whether or not I’m playing next year,” Travis said at the time.
“Right now, I’m just kicking everything down the road. … I’m not making any crazy decisions, but right now, the biggest thing is just being there for my teammates and being there for my coaches, understanding that there’s a lot that goes into this thing.”
Kelce acknowledged that, at 35, the physical toll of the game is becoming more evident.
“It’s a lot of time spent in the building, focusing on your craft, focusing on the task at hand, every challenge that you set up for yourself, and that process can be grueling. It can weigh on you,” he admitted.
He reflected on how aging in professional sports presents new challenges, especially for elite athletes accustomed to peak performance.
“I think that it happens as you kind of tail off toward the back nine of your career … as you see yourself or not feel yourself have the success that you once used to have. Man, it’s a tough pill to swallow.
“And then on top of that, to not be there in the biggest moments, knowing your team’s counting on you, man … it’s just a tough reality.”
Committed to the Chiefs and the Future
Despite these challenges, Kelce remains focused on what’s best for both himself and the Chiefs organization.
While some questioned whether he would call it a career after 12 seasons, Kelce’s message to McAfee was clear—he is ready to return and compete at the highest level.
