As the Kansas City Chiefs ramp up preparations for the 2025 season, attention has again turned to the future of veteran tight end Travis Kelce.
Following a disappointing Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Kelce admitted he considered retirement-but ultimately decided to continue playing. What many expected to be a soulsearching conversation with teammate Patrick Mahomes apparently never happened.
On Wednesday at Chiefs minicamp, Mahomes confirmed with Arrowhead Pride that he and Kelce “never talked about it.”
As Mahomes explained, that lack of discussion isn’t entirely surprising: “I think you have that in the back of your mind – I mean, for anybody that’s played a lot of football seasons, there’s always a chance. You have to put it in the work in the offseason. I think everybody wants to play in the games, but putting the work in the offseason [is] where stuff gets strenuous.”
Despite a stellar career that includes three Super Bowl titles together, Mahomes says Kelce approached the offseason quietly, diligently, and without hubris. “I think y’all can see it – he’s ready to go,” Mahomes said. “He’s been putting in the work this offseason, and he’s excited for another chance to make a run at it.”
Kelce’s decision not as sudden as it seems
Kelce has since acknowledged that coming back for a 13th NFL season wasn’t a tough call. Speaking after minicamp practice, Kelce admitted, “It wasn’t a very tough [decision] for me,” adding he still “feel[s] like I got a lot that I can prove in this league.” He repeated on NFL.com, “I love football. I don’t think I really thought about it that much… It wasn’t a very tough one for me. I know I’m getting older, but at the same time I still feel like I’ve got a lot I can prove.”
After the Super Bowl, Kelce described his feelings as more of a reflection than a definitive end: he “didn’t feel like it was my last game,” despite personally labeling the loss “unsuccessful.” He’s apparently drawn motivation from that loss and wants only a championship to deem the season a success: “That’s the only way I determine if it’s a successful (season) or not… It’s just how I’m wired now.”
In 2024, Kelce‘s stats dipped to 97 receptions for 823 yards and three touchdowns-his lowest full season since his rookie year.
But he still led his team in receiving yards for the fifth time in six seasons. Behind closed doors, he’s also undergone a leaner offseason, shedding “some weight” and focusing on conditioning, even while brushing off rumors he dropped a full 25 pounds.
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