Kansas City Chiefs' star tight end, Travis Kelce, has officially confirmed his return for a 13th NFL season. After taking time to reflect following last month’s Super Bowl LIX defeat against the Philadelphia Eagles, Kelce decided he isn't ready to walk away from the game just yet.
Speaking on Tuesday’s episode of his popular podcast, New Heights, Kelce made it clear that his passion for football remains strong.
“I love playing,” Kelce said. “I still feel like I can play [football] at a high level and possibly at a higher level than I did last year. I don’t think it was my best outing.”
As the NFL’s all-time leader in playoff receptions, Kelce’s impact on the Chiefs has been undeniable. However, his performance in Super Bowl LIX left him feeling unsatisfied. He finished with four catches for 39 yards in the Chiefs’ 40-22 loss to the Eagles, a game where Kansas City fell behind 34-0 late in the third quarter.
Super Bowl Loss a Key Factor in Kelce’s Return
Kelce, 35, admitted that losing the championship game played a major role in his decision to come back.
“I think I let my guys down in a lot more moments than I helped them, especially if you look at my track record and how I’ve been in years past,” he said. “I want to give it a good run. I’ve got a bad taste in my mouth on how I ended the year.”
A Legacy Among the Greatest Tight Ends
Widely regarded as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, Kelce boasts an impressive resume. He is a three-time Super Bowl champion, a 10-time Pro Bowler, and remains a favorite target for Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
From 2016 to 2022, Kelce recorded seven consecutive seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards, solidifying his dominance at the position. However, his production dipped in recent seasons, with 984 receiving yards in 2023 and 823 yards last year.
Kelce Balances Football and Off-Field Stardom
Beyond football, Kelce’s fame continues to rise. His high-profile relationship with pop icon Taylor Swift and the immense popularity of New Heights, which he co-hosts with his brother Jason Kelce, have made him a household name beyond the NFL. New Heights was one of the most-streamed podcasts in the U.S. last year, adding to his growing off-field success.
Despite the countless media opportunities that await him in retirement, Kelce is set to play out the final season of his two-year, $34 million contract extension, which he signed 11 months ago.
Will 2025 Be Kelce’s Final NFL Season?
While he remains committed to the upcoming season, Kelce left the door open regarding his future beyond 2025.
“I can’t say whether or not this is going to be the last year because I still love a lot of what I do for the city of Kansas City and the Chiefs organization,” Kelce said. “I know I’ve got one on my contract, and I’m gonna give you guys everything I got.”
As the Chiefs prepare for another season, fans can expect Kelce to bring his signature energy and leadership as he looks to make another championship run with Kansas City.
