Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce has confirmed that he will return to play for the team in the 2025 season. In a message sent to ESPN’s Pat McAfee, which was shared on McAfee’s show, Kelce made it clear that he intends to continue his career. “I’m coming back for sure,” he wrote, adding that he plans to focus on getting into the best shape of his career during the offseason. Kelce is determined to rebound from the disappointment of his recent Super Bowl performance, saying, “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!”
This statement follows earlier comments made by Chiefs general manager Brett Veach, who indicated that Kelce was likely to return for the 2025 season. Kelce, 35, had been contemplating his future after the Chiefs’ tough defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles in this year’s Super Bowl, where his performance was underwhelming. Kelce caught just four passes for 39 yards in the game, which was well below his usual level of production.
In a previous interview on his podcast, New Heights, Kelce had expressed uncertainty about his future, saying he was taking his time to assess his decision. “I know everybody wants to know whether I’m playing next year, and right now, I’m just kicking everything down the road. I’m kicking every can I can down the road. I’m not making any crazy decisions,” he had shared. Despite the initial doubts, his recent declaration clears up any uncertainty about his return for the upcoming season.
Kelce’s decision to continue playing comes after a highly successful career in the NFL, where he has earned numerous accolades, including four first-team All-Pro selections and ten Pro Bowl appearances. He has been one of the most consistent and reliable tight ends in the league, setting numerous records and helping the Chiefs secure a Super Bowl victory during the 2019 season.
Although Kelce’s performance in the 2024 season was not as dominant as in years past, he still put up impressive numbers, finishing with 97 receptions for 823 yards. This marked his lowest total since his rookie season in 2013, when he played in just one game. Kelce had seven consecutive seasons of over 1,000 yards between 2016 and 2022, making his 2024 totals stand out as a slight decline. Nonetheless, his contributions to the Chiefs’ offense remained vital, and his leadership both on and off the field were key to the team’s success.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Kelce is expected to be a significant part of the Chiefs’ offensive strategy once again. His veteran experience and ability to elevate his play when needed will be crucial as the team aims to return to championship contention. With a cap hit of $19.8 million in 2025, Kelce’s return may also have an impact on the team’s salary cap situation, but his value to the Chiefs, both as a player and a leader, is undeniable.
As Kelce prepares for the 2025 season, he will be focused on improving his physical condition and sharpening his skills to make a stronger impact. His determination to bounce back from the disappointment of the Super Bowl loss and the underwhelming performance in the final game of the season shows his competitive drive. Kelce is eager to help the Chiefs get back to the top and end his career on a high note, which will undoubtedly excite fans and fuel the team’s efforts to reclaim the NFL championship.
