The choice to rejoin the Kansas City Chiefs for his 13th season wasn’t a difficult one, according to Travis Kelce (AP).
The four-time All-Pro tight end actually stated on Wednesday that a pick at number 14 isn’t completely out of the question.
I am aware that I have a one-year contract. Following the second day of the Chiefs’ required three-day minicamp, which was partially canceled due to lightning in the area, Kelce stated, “And we’ll try to figure out something for next year.”
The Chiefs organization is aware of my affection for them. Kelce went on, “I don’t see myself playing anywhere else.” When the time is appropriate, we will address 2026. However, my current goal is to win a title this year.
One of the most pressing questions following the Chiefs’ crushing defeat by the Eagles in the Super Bowl was if the 35-year-old would hang up his cleats. Even though he continued to play at a high level the previous season, Kelce’s output significantly decreased—he caught 97 passes for 823 yards and three touchdowns for a team that won 15 games during the regular season.
It was reasonable to ask how long Kelce would play given his numerous business ventures, including a lucrative media career fueled in part by his well-liked podcast and his connection to music sensation Taylor Swift.
However, Kelce made the decision to pursue another title in a matter of weeks.
The way the previous season’s run concluded was partly to blame. In the Super Bowl, Kelce had just four receptions for 39 yards, but he had a memorable game against Houston in the divisional round with seven catches for 117 yards.
It didn’t feel like my final game at all. He said, “I just felt like I had a lot more to prove.” Yes, you should wait for the feelings to subside before making a decision based on them. After they subsided, I had the want to come in and continue developing in order to win another Super Bowl, guy.
Despite spending the most of the season without its top two wide receivers, Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown, who are both fully recovered from their injuries, the Chiefs managed to make it to the Super Bowl. Additionally, they survived despite severe problems at left tackle, which the Chiefs intend to address by selecting Ohio State star Josh Simmons in the first round.
At tight end, they now have a driven Kelce who is noticeably thinner. According to some accounts, he has lost roughly twenty-five pounds since the conclusion of the previous season, although Kelce said that might have been overstating things.
Guys, don’t trust everything you read online. I’ve lost a few pounds since the conclusion of the previous season, but every year is unique, dude. He answered, “You have to rebuild it.” I was able to devote more time this year to form running and other early-season activities than I was able to last year. Feeling fantastic, for sure, and I believe it will pay off.
Certainly, Patrick Mahomes hopes so. Due in large part to injuries and offensive line issues, Mahomes has had difficulty getting the Chiefs back on track after guiding one of the NFL’s most successful offenses in his early career.
The great quarterback for the Chiefs, however, stated that he never put any pressure on Kelce to play another season.
I believe you have in the back of your mind that if someone has played for many seasons, there’s always a chance they’ll return and work hard, Mahomes stated. I believe it was simply readjusting for him to see where he was, and based on what I’ve observed, he’s prepared to move on. He has worked hard during the offseason and is eager to try again.
After wrapping off their three-day minicamp on Thursday, the Chiefs will take a month-long break before regrouping for training camp at Missouri Western State University. Additionally, Kelce is obviously motivated by the possibility of beginning another championship run in college dorm rooms, even though the idea of spending a few weeks there surely doesn’t sound all that appealing.
I adore this game. Kelce remarked, “It’s still my childhood dream.” After giving it some serious thought this summer, I returned to wanting to concentrate on this game and make the most of it while I’m still wearing the pads and cleats. Regarding my professional life and career path, this will always be the top priority.
