Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce officially announced his return for the 2025 NFL season, putting to rest speculation about his future in the league. The 35-year-old star made the revelation on the latest episode of his podcast “New Heights,” which he co-hosts with his brother and former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce.
Why Travis Kelce Decided To Return For 2025 NFL Season
Kelce, a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ rise to dynasty status, expressed his unwavering passion for the game as the primary reason for his decision to come back. “I think the biggest thing is that I f***ing love playing the game,” Kelce stated emphatically.
Despite maintaining his status as one of the league’s premier tight ends, Kelce believes he has room for improvement. “I still feel like I can play at a high level and possibly at a higher level than I did last year,” he said, adding, “I don’t think it was my best outing, you know? I think I let my guys down in many more moments than I helped them, especially if you look at my track record and how I’ve been in years past.”
Kelce’s self-critical assessment comes after a season where he recorded 97 catches for 984 yards and five touchdowns. Most tight ends would love to have those numbers, but they fell short of Kelce’s standards, particularly after his record-breaking streak of seven consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.
The Chiefs’ disappointing loss to the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX seems to have fueled Kelce’s determination to return. “I got a bad taste in my mouth about how I ended the year, how well I was playing, and how accountable I was for the people around me,” Kelce explained. His brother asked if the decision would’ve been different had the Chiefs won and Travis admitted a championship would’ve made the choice harder.
Beyond his on-field performance, Kelce’s deep connection to Kansas City played a significant role in his decision. “I love so many people in Kansas City—both in that facility and in the community—and it’s home for me now,” he shared, highlighting the strong bonds he’s formed with the Chiefs.
Kelce’s return is huge news for Chiefs fans, the franchise, and Patrick Mahomes. Kelce’s chemistry with Mahomes has been a key factor in the team’s dominance.
As Kelce prepares for his 13th NFL season, he has one year left on his contract with the Chiefs. While he didn’t explicitly state whether this upcoming season would be his last, it would seem the stars are aligning for a farewell tour in 2025.