Travis Kelce has confirmed he will return to the Kansas City Chiefs for at least one more season following their Super Bowl defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles.
The 35-year-old tight end had previously hinted at retirement after the Chiefs’ 40-22 loss in New Orleans last month.
Kelce revealed his decision on the latest episode of the New Heights podcast, which he hosts with his brother Jason.
“I think the biggest thing is that I f***ing love playing the game of football,” Kelce explained on the podcast.
Travis Kelce has said he has at least one more year left in him before quitting NFL
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“I still feel I can play at a high level and possibly at a higher level than I did last year.”
The decision came down to gut feeling rather than careful analysis.
“I’m not a big measure the pros and cons, pure gut feeling. I f***ing love this game,” he said.
Kelce admitted he was disappointed with his performance last season.
“I don’t think it was my best outing. I think I let my guys down in a lot more moments than I helped them,” he said.
The tight end finished 2024 with career-lows in receiving yards (823) and touchdowns (3).
“I’ve got a bad taste in my mouth on how I ended the year and how accountable I was for the people around me,” Kelce added.
Kelce cited his relationship with head coach Andy Reid as a major factor in his decision to continue playing.
“Coach Reid has been one of the biggest influences on my life, not just in the game of football,” he said.
“I don’t want to stop going to work with him, learning from him or being the reason he doesn’t have success.”
The tight end expressed similar sentiments about quarterback Patrick Mahomes and other teammates.
Travis Kelce was left heartbroken after losing the Super Bowl
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“There are so many people in that building who I love with all my heart,” Kelce added.
Kelce signed a two-year, £34.25 million contract with the Chiefs in April 2024, with one year remaining on the deal.
However, he refused to confirm whether 2025 would be his final season in the NFL.
“Kansas City baby, we’re back at it for at least one more year,” Kelce said.
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“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 organisation.”
The Super Bowl loss to the Eagles was “probably the biggest factor” in Kelce’s decision to return, he revealed.
“I feel like I owe the guys that I come into that building with a whole lot more effort and focus,” he said.
Kelce emphasised his commitment to Kansas City both on and off the field.
“I love so many people in Kansas City, both in that facility and the community and it’s home for me now. I don’t want to leave that life yet.”