At the end of February, Kelce confirmed via text message to analyst Pat McAfee that he would not be retiring. After much speculation Travis Kelce will return to the ground this season hoping to end up on the other side this time
The veteran tight end stated, "Gonna try and get to the best shape I've been this offseason and get back to the mountaintop." He also expressed disappointment in his Super Bowl performance, adding, "I can't go out like that."
Last week, Kelce elaborated on his decision in an episode of his podcast, New Heights, saying:
"The biggest thing is that I f------ love playing the game of football. I still feel like I can play at a high level, and possibly at a higher level than I did last year. I don’t think it was my best outing."
He emphasized his deep connection to Kansas City and his desire to continue competing:
"I have a bad taste in my mouth in how I ended the year, and how well I was playing and how accountable I was for the people around me. I love so many people in Kansas City - in that facility, in the community - and it's home for me now. I don't want to leave that life yet."
Andy Reid’s Take on Kelce’s Decision
Speaking on The Bettor Angle podcast, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid gave his honest assessment of Kelce's return, stating:
"He said he was coming back, and he's all in. I mean, listen, he's getting older, but you're talking about the guy that's going to go down as maybe the best of all time at that position."
Reid dismissed concerns over Kelce slowing down, asserting:
"And okay well, if he's a step slower or whatever people are saying, he's still one of the best in the National Football League and in my eyes he's the best."
The Chiefs coach also highlighted Kelce’s off-field contributions, calling him a "great teammate and a great human being." He added, "Whatever he does on the field, the greatness that he is there, he's even that much better off the field."
Kelce’s Legacy and Future
At 35 years old, Kelce remains a key figure for the Chiefs. Despite some criticism over his Super Bowl performance, both he and his coach are confident that he still has plenty left to offer. As he gears up for another season, fans will be eager to see if he can help Kansas City secure another championship.