After weeks of speculation following the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIX loss, Travis Kelce has officially ended any doubts about his NFL future. The superstar tight end, who had initially suggested he would take time to reflect on his next steps, has now made it clear—he’s not going anywhere.
The confirmation came during Thursday’s episode of The Pat McAfee Show, where McAfee shared a direct text message from Kelce himself. The message began with a firm and unwavering five-word statement:
“I’m coming back for sure.”
Kelce didn’t stop there, making it clear that he wasn’t satisfied with how the 2024 season ended and that he’s coming back with a mission.
“Gonna try and get to the best shape I’ve been this offseason and get back to the mountaintop. Got 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!!!!”
Kelce’s competitive fire was evident in his message. The four-time First-Team All-Pro had only four catches for 39 yards in the Chiefs’ 40-22 Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles—an underwhelming performance by his own high standards.
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Chiefs’ Front Office Expected Kelce’s Return
Kelce’s declaration aligns with what Chiefs general manager Brett Veach told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine earlier this week.
Veach, who recently spoke with Kelce about his plans, revealed that he never got the sense that retirement was on the table.
“We had a good conversation, and from everything we talked about, it sounds like he’s full-speed ahead for next season,” Veach said.
This confirmation was essential for Kansas City’s offseason planning, as the Chiefs have key roster decisions to make with free agency and the draft approaching. Knowing their Hall of Fame tight end will be back allows them to strategize accordingly as they aim for another Super Bowl run.
The Financial Reality: Could 2025 Be Kelce’s Final Season?
While Kelce has committed to returning for the upcoming season, the long-term outlook remains uncertain.
He is entering the final year of a two-year, $34.25 million extension he signed last offseason. With no reports of active negotiations for a new deal, there’s a possibility that Kelce could play out his contract and retire afterward.
Additionally, the Chiefs face a March 15 deadline—a date when Kelce is owed an $11.5 million roster bonus. This deadline is likely why the organization needed a definitive answer on his return, ensuring they could manage their salary cap accordingly.
Kelce’s Legendary Career and Continued Dominance
Since being drafted by Kansas City in 2013, Kelce has been nothing short of a generational talent at tight end. Over the course of his 12-year career, he has:
- Earned 10 consecutive Pro Bowl selections
- Been named First-Team All-Pro four times
- Missed only six regular-season games due to injury
- Led the Chiefs in receiving for multiple seasons
Even though his production dipped slightly in 2024, Kelce remained Patrick Mahomes’ most trusted target. His 97 receptions for 823 yards and three touchdowns marked a down year by his own lofty standards, but he still ranked among the league’s top tight ends.
At 35 years old, Kelce is officially past his prime, but his skill set, leadership, and chemistry with Mahomes continue to make him an invaluable piece of Kansas City’s championship aspirations.
Addressing Retirement Speculation
Kelce has not shied away from addressing the ongoing speculation about his retirement. In a recent episode of his New Heights podcast, he acknowledged that he has been deliberate in his decision-making process.
“Right now, I’m just kicking every can I can down the road. I’m not making any crazy decisions, but right now, the biggest thing is just being there for my teammates and being there for my coaches, understanding that there’s a lot that goes into this thing.”
While he left the door open to eventually stepping away, his latest message to McAfee proves that he’s still fully invested in competing for another title in 2025.
What’s Next for Kelce and the Chiefs?
Now that Kelce has officially committed to returning, the Chiefs can turn their focus toward roster improvements.
With free agency and the draft approaching, Kansas City may look to add another offensive weapon to take some of the workload off Kelce. The team struggled with drops and inconsistency at wide receiver last season, making it likely that reinforcements are on the way.
As for Kelce, his mindset is clear—he’s coming back with something to prove. The Super Bowl loss still stings, and he wants one more shot at glory before potentially closing the chapter on his Hall of Fame career.
One thing is certain—Kelce’s story isn’t over just yet.
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