Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has made it clear that he always intended to return for another NFL season following the team's Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in New Orleans. Speaking on his New Heights podcast, Kelce explained that his decision was never in doubt.
"It’s similar to all the other decisions I make. It’s just off a feel. I’m not a big like measure the pros and cons. I just go off a feel. Pure gut feeling. I never second guessed it. It was always in the back of my mind. Even when it got tough last year on the body or when it got tough after the Super Bowl when you’re at your all-time low. There’s something in a motivating factor that, you know, you can do this and you want do this. I pulled the trigger as soon as I knew that I had that feeling.”
No Retirement Decision Yet
Although many analysts speculate that the 2025 season could be Kelce’s final year alongside Patrick Mahomes, the veteran tight end has not made a definitive decision. In a recent conversation with his brother Jason Kelce, he emphasized that he still loves football and isn’t ready to set a timeline for his retirement.
Prior to the game against the Eagles, Kelce had mentioned that his body might allow him to play for up to three more years. This uncertainty leaves the door open for an extended career beyond the 2025 season.
Chiefs’ Offense Holds the Key to Another Super Bowl Run
Despite any lingering questions about his long-term future, Kelce remains confident in the Chiefs' ability to contend for another championship. He believes that with a fully healthy roster, the team has a strong shot at returning to the Super Bowl.
“I think we’ve got a young fun team. We’re going to get my guy Rashee (Rice) back. We’re going to get hopefully the wide receiver that we accumulated once Rashee went down. Hopefully we get my guy Kareem Hunt back. I love that guy. I want to win one for that guy so bad.”
Kelce highlighted the chemistry within the team and the winning mentality led by Mahomes and key defensive players such as Chris Jones, George Karlaftis, and Trent McDuffie.
“I just know that guys like Pat Mahomes and guys that we have on the defensive side like Chris Jones and George Karlaftis and Trent McDuffie, they all know how to have fun doing it while being professional. That’s such a unique situation to have. When you can get both done, be successful but do it in such a fun way that it makes it more enjoyable than you could possibly imagine.”
What’s Next for Travis Kelce?
For now, Kelce is locked in for at least one more season, but whether 2025 will be his last remains to be seen. With a strong roster and a motivated mindset, he and the Chiefs will once again set their sights on hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. His future beyond that? Only time will tell.