Travis Kelce has decided not to retire from football and will return to the Kansas City Chiefs next season, according to former NFL player and ESPN host, Pat McAfee.
On Thursday's edition of 'The Pat McAfee Show', McAfee revealed that his sources indicated Kelce would complete the 2025 season after deciding that he couldn't end his career on a Super Bowl defeat. The 40-22 loss against the Philadelphia Eagles 'left a bad taste' in Kelce's mouth, and the tight end is eager to prove doubters wrong next season.
"I'm coming back for sure," McAfee said, appearing to reference a text message sent by Kelce. "I'm gonna try and get to the best shape I've been this offseason, and get back to the mountain top.
"I've 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, 35, had a quiet season for the Chiefs and suffered career lows in yards (823) and touchdowns (3) since first becoming a starter back in 2014. The Chiefs still reached the Super Bowl, but were steamrolled by the Eagles in New Orleans who held a 34-point lead before quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw two late touchdowns.
It was the first time since the 2021 AFC Championship game that the Chiefs had lost a postseason game, as they were denied a historic three-peat. Kelce, a three-time Super Bowl champion and one of the best tight ends in NFL history, admitted after losing against the Eagles that he wouldn't rush into a decision over his future.
Kelce's life has changed dramatically since 2023, when his relationship with popstar Taylor Swift was made public. Since then, Kelce has juggled being an elite athlete while seeing his popularity soar, but the increased spotlight has led to his performances being analyzed more thoroughly.
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach expected Kelce to return when being asked about the tight end's future, and said via Front Office Sports: "We left it as he'd be back and we're excited to get him back and get him going." Mahomes also pushed for Kelce to return, while head coach Andy Reid was keen to step back and allow Travis time to think.
When speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Reid said: "That's up to Travis. [I told him] to get out of town and relax. That's kind of my motto for these guys. They played a lot of games for a consistent amount of seasons.
"At the end of the thing, you've exhausted yourself mentally and physically, step back and take care of that and then we'll talk. For right now, I think that's what he's doing."
Kelce was distraught after Super Bowl LIX and skipped his postgame press conference to make a quick exit from Caesars Superdome. Kelce later spoke about the beating his body had taken on his 'New Heights' podcast, but isn't looking to quit on the Chiefs just yet.