Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs
Travis Kelce Weighing NFL Future After Super Bowl Heartbreak
The Kansas City Chiefs’ quest for an unprecedented three-peat came to a crushing end, and now, one of the franchise’s all-time greats is facing a pivotal decision about his future.
Travis Kelce, one of the most dominant tight ends in NFL history, is taking his time before deciding whether to return for the 2025 season. The 35-year-old opened up about his uncertain future on the latest episode of the New Heights podcast, which he co-hosts with his brother, Jason Kelce.
No Rush to Decide
“I know everybody wants to know whether or not I’m playing next year, and right now, I’m just kicking everything down the road,” Kelce said. “I’m not making any crazy decisions.”
Kelce emphasized that his primary focus is supporting his teammates and coaches in the aftermath of the Chiefs’ disappointing 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. In that game, Kelce was held to just four catches for 39 yards—far from his usual impact on the game’s biggest stage.
A Grueling Journey
With five Super Bowl appearances in the past six seasons and three championships to his name, Kelce acknowledged the physical and mental toll of sustained success.
“That’s a lot of wear and tear on your body, and it’s a lot of time spent in the building, focusing on your craft,” Kelce explained. “And that process can be grueling. It can weigh on you. It can make you better and it can drive you crazy at the same time.”
Despite remaining one of the NFL’s elite tight ends, Kelce is coming off a down season by his lofty standards. His 2024 campaign saw him post career lows in both receiving yards and touchdowns since his rookie year in 2013.
All-In or All-Out
If Kelce does decide to return, he made it clear he won’t do so half-heartedly.
“I owe it to my teammates that, if I do come back, it’s going to be a whole-hearted decision,” he said. “Not half-assing it. I think I could play. It’s just whether or not I’m motivated or if it’s the best decision for me as a man, as a human, and as a person.”
With Kelce’s future hanging in the balance, Chiefs fans—and the entire NFL—will have to wait and see whether one of the game’s greatest tight ends returns for another run or calls it a career.
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