Travis Kelce has officially put retirement rumors to rest, confirming that he will return to the Kansas City Chiefs next season.
The veteran tight end’s decision comes after weeks of speculation following the Chiefs’ crushing Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
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Pat McAfee was the first to break the news on his ESPN show, revealing a text message from Kelce himself.
“My dog!!! I’m coming back for sure,” the message read.
“I’m going to try and get to the best shape I’ve been this offseason and get back to the mountaintop.”
Kelce went on to express his frustration over his performance in the Chiefs’ 40-22 defeat, where he managed just four receptions and dropped two passes.
“I have 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!!!!”
His decision to return was hinted at earlier by Chiefs general manager Brett Veach, who addressed the speculation at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
“We anticipate Travis being back,”Veach stated.
“I think Travis is excited to come back… we’re excited to have Travis back, and that’s how we’re operating this offseason.”
Despite battling an illness leading up to the Super Bowl, Kelce’s statistics last season were noticeably lower than in previous years.
He finished with 823 receiving yards, his lowest total since 2014, and just three touchdowns.
However, his impact on the Chiefs’ offense remains undeniable, and his return ensures quarterback Patrick Mahomes will continue to have one of his most reliable targets.
Kelce had previously admitted he was weighing his future, reflecting on the physical and mental toll of the game.
“The fact that we keep going to these AFC Championships and Super Bowls means I’m playing an extra three games more than everybody else in the entire league,” he shared on his New Heights podcast.
“That process can be grueling. It can weigh on you… it was kind of driving me crazy this year.”
While there was speculation that Kelce could step away to focus on his ventures outside football, including his growing media presence, television projects, and relationship with pop star Taylor Swift, his competitive spirit has ultimately led him back to the field.
With Kelce confirming his return, Chiefs fans can breathe a sigh of relief as Kansas City looks to reclaim the Lombardi Trophy next season.
