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This offseason, Travis Kelce found himself in a situation full of uncertainty. The 35-year-old was confronted with questions about whether his last game, a loss with the Kansas City Chiefs against the Philadelphia Eagles, would mark the end of his NFL career.
Ultimately, Kelce chose to continue playing the sport he is passionate about.
“I’m definitely coming back. I’m going to aim to be in the best shape I’ve ever been this offseason and get back to the top,” Kelce texted Pat McAfee, a message that was shared during a segment on his show. “I ended that last game feeling really disappointed with my performance and how I prepared the team for battle. I can’t go out like that!!!!”
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce catches a pass during warmups before an NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on November 4, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (Reed Hoffmann/AP Photo)
This week, Kelce suggested that while he may have considered retirement for a moment, he never seriously thought about stepping away from the game.
“I love football. I didn’t really dwell on it for long,” Kelce explained to the media at Chiefs minicamp on Wednesday. “… I enjoy coming to work every day. It wasn’t a difficult choice for me. I know I’m aging, but I still feel like I have plenty to offer in this league. So, making the decision wasn’t hard.”
TAYLOR SWIFT AND TRAVIS KELCE AT PANTHERS-OILERS STANLEY CUP FINAL
Kelce concluded the Super Bowl with four catches for 39 yards, expressing disappointment in his performance during the game. He told reporters he “felt like I let my teammates down,” but also expressed that he “didn’t really feel like it was my last game.”
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce acknowledges the crowd following a defeat against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 59 on February 9, 2025, in New Orleans. (Abbie Parr/AP Photo)
The Chiefs have participated in the last three Super Bowls, winning two. Kelce reaffirmed his ambition to lift the prestigious Vince Lombardi trophy again at the end of the coming season.
For Kelce, anything less than another championship would mean failure. “That’s the only measure I have for a successful season,” he stated. “It’s just part of my mindset now.”
Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts during an interview at Super Bowl LIX Opening Night at Caesars Superdome on February 3, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Last season, Kelce fell short of hitting the 1,000-yard receiving threshold, ending the regular season with 823 yards.
Kelce mentioned that he will consider his future in football after the 2025 season. For now, he is concentrating on helping the Chiefs be the last team standing come next February.
“I know I have one year left on this contract, and we’ll figure out the next steps later,” Kelce remarked. “The Chiefs organization understands how much I care about them. I can’t imagine playing for anyone else. We will address that when the time comes, but for now, I’m focused on winning a championship this year.”
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