Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce has confirmed his plans to return for the 2025 season, as Pat McAfee revealed on Thursday.
During “The Pat McAfee Show,” McAfee read a text message from Kelce that said: “I’m coming back for sure. Gonna try to get into the best shape I’ve been this offseason and get back to the mountaintop.
“Got a real bad taste in my mouth with how I played in that last game and with how I got the guys ready for battle. I can’t go out like that!!!!”
Later in the day, the “New Heights” podcast, which Kelce co-hosts with his brother Jason Kelce, confirmed the news on X: “From the desk of @tkelce : ITS TIME FOR YEAR 13.”
Kelce will discuss his decision to return for his 13th NFL season in the next podcast episode, set to be released next week.
The Chiefs tight end was limited to four receptions for 39 yards in Kansas City’s 40-22 Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, which denied them a chance at a historic three-peat.
The performance capped a season where Kelce recorded career lows in receiving yards (823) and touchdowns (3). However, he still led the Chiefs in receptions with 97.
Travis Kelce plans to play in the 2025 season, @PatMcAfeeShow confirmed with the Chiefs’ tight end. pic.twitter.com/GW2EggGhRy
— ESPN (@espn) February 27, 2025
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach indicated earlier this week at the scouting combine in Indianapolis that he anticipated Kelce’s return, based on their latest discussions.
Kelce, 35, had expressed his intent to continue playing during multiple interviews leading up to the Super Bowl. However, he appeared less certain about his future in the days following the game on his podcast.
A key financial aspect of Kelce’s contract is an $11.5 million roster bonus due on March 15. However, Veach noted that Kelce does not have a firm deadline to finalise his decision.
Many within the organisation, including Veach, head coach Andy Reid, and quarterback Patrick Mahomes, have credited Kelce for playing a key role in the Chiefs’ sustained success.
A 10-time Pro Bowl selection, Kelce has earned four first-team All-Pro honors and three second-team nods.
Last season, he became just the 15th player in NFL history to record 1,000 career receptions and only the third tight end to do so.
He currently ranks third all-time among tight ends with 1,004 regular-season receptions and 12,151 receiving yards.
