After Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce announced that he was to return to the team in 2025, his brother Jason was not surprised.
In a recent episode of their joint podcast “New Heights,” however, Jason revealed that he felt “a little hurt” that his brother didn’t ask for his advice on the matter.
Travis Kelce Returning to the Chiefs in 2025
After being humbled by the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 59, there were plenty of questions surrounding the future of the Chiefs. Most notable of those was whether or not their star tight end would be back for another season.
After weeks of reflection, Kelce announced that he would be returning to Kansas City to play out the final year of his contract. Kelce is the Chiefs’ all-time franchise leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns, so his return is a huge win for the team.
Speaking on his decision to return, Kelce said:
“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.
“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.”
Trav breaks down everything that went into his decision to return for Year 13
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Kelce’s 133 regular-season receptions ranked third most among tight ends in 2024, but he turned those into just 823 yards, placing him fifth at the position. Most notably, his three regular-season receiving touchdowns were the fewest since his rookie season, when he made just one appearance.
After an encouraging showing in the divisional round with seven receptions for 117 yards and a touchdown, Kelce caught just six passes for 58 yards across the AFC Championship Game and Super Bowl combined.
Jason Kelce “A Little Hurt” by Retirement Snub
Addressing his brother’s decision to return, Jason claimed that he always knew that Travis would be back for Year 13.
“I felt like you always wanted to come back. It felt like that. From the moment after the game, it felt like that to a week after, two weeks, and I was like, He’s gonna play again. He’s not ready to stop. So, yeah, think it’s the right decision.”
But despite giving the decision his approval, the former Eagle did state his disappointment that his advice wasn’t invited.
“I felt like, even when I would talk to you, and we didn’t really talk pointedly about this, you never asked my advice on this, which I asked for your advice. So I feel a little hurt.”
Both men laughed off the comment before moving on. It’s clear that the heartwarming bond between the two of them remains as strong as ever and that however long Travis decides to continue playing, Jason will be right there cheering him on.