After doubts about his possible retirement, Kansas City Chiefs fans see a light at the end of the tunnel: reports claim that Travis Kelce will return to Andy Reid’s team to play his 14th season in the NFL.
This news reached the ears of the tight end’s and Chiefs’ fans, and among their varied reactions, there were those who couldn’t help but mention his future wife, Taylor Swift.
Fans react to Kelce’s possible return to the Chiefs
After months of doubts, assumptions, and uncertainties, Kelce’s future in the NFL could be clearer. His contract with the team ended early along with the previous season, where they failed to qualify for the playoffs with a 6-11 record, making him an unrestricted free agent.
With this door opening and his 13th season played after considering retirement, it didn’t seem so far-fetched for fans that Travis would say goodbye to the NFL.
However, on Monday, March 9, Ian Rapoport, an insider for NFL Network, reported on his official X account (formerly Twitter) that the three-time champion is expected to return to Kansas City for a 14th season:
“Back for more: #Chiefs future Hall of Fame TE Travis Kelce is expected to return to Kansas City for a 14th season, a message that’s been delivered to teams who will want him. At 36, Kelce’s play was at its usual level, landing him in the Pro Bowl. He’s loyal to KC & will stay,” he tweeted.
This announcement prompted fans to share their reactions, which were mixed. Some were happy to hear that the 36-year-old tight end would continue to wear the Chiefs’ colors, continue to reinforce his unique and lethal chemistry with Patrick Mahomes, and continue to produce good numbers for at least one more year:
“People can debate age all they want, but if he’s still playing at that level, why would Kansas City want anyone else?” wrote one of them. “Age 36, still Pro Bowl level. Travis Kelce isn’t slowing down anytime soon,” said another. “Loyalty like this is rare. Kansas City legend,” noted a third user.
On the other hand, there was another group of fans who did not welcome his possible return to the team because he will be 37 this season and his susceptibility to injury increases, he has not exceeded 1,000 yards since 2023 (last year he had 76 receptions, 851 yards, and 5 TDs), and the team will not be able to “rejuvenate” its roster:
“Bad deal for KC from a pure football standpoint. Understand the past contributions, but this doesn’t help in 2026,” said one. “NOOOOOO….. please do not come back! We love you Travis, but you’re just not helping the team anymore. You’re actually hurting the team unless you’re just gonna be on the side as a mentor. You should be taking a lot less money because you’re not effective anymore,” wrote another. “He’s shot. He should have retired. His play wasn’t good last season,” commented another user.
However, there were others who turned their attention to his future wife and partner since 2023, Taylor Swift who made her first appearance at a Travis game on September 24, 2023. She attended Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, to watch the Chiefs take on the Chicago Bears, sitting in the family suite alongside Trav and Jason’s mother, Donna Kelce:
“I can’t wait to see Taylor cheering from the suite,” wrote one fan. “Let’s go! One more year of Taylor Swift in the stands,” rejoiced another.
“Good for Mr. Swift,” a third user commented. “Taylor’s boyfriend isn’t going anywhere… dynasty reloaded!” a fan commented. “Thank you Tay Tay for granting us to continue witnessing greatness,” said a fifth.
The truth is that, after his previous season and after starting the year by losing in the Super Bowl final to the Philadelphia Eagles, the tight end had serious doubts about whether to continue with the team and in the NFL or not.
After thinking it over and even seeking the opinion of his future wife Taylor, Travis decided to play in 2025. Now, with the doubts that arose around the future of his professional career this year, it would not be surprising if he decides to officially return, ‘Tay Tay’ has influenced him.
