Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has officially put retirement rumors to rest, confirming that he will return for the 2025 NFL season. His decision follows a period of reflection after the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on February 9, 2025.
In the aftermath of the Super Bowl defeat, Kelce took time to consider his future. The 35-year-old veteran, widely regarded as one of the best tight ends in NFL history, sought guidance from Chiefs head coach Andy Reid.
Reid, while acknowledging Kelce’s potential beyond football, encouraged him to take time off to clear his mind before making a final decision.
“He’s gonna make a killing there,” Reid said, referring to the lucrative media and entertainment opportunities awaiting Kelce whenever he chooses to retire.
Yet, the Chiefs member who convinced Kelce to stay put was Rashee Rice.
“I ain’t gonna lie to y’all. I’m 95 percent of the reason he ain’t retiring. I ain’t gonna lie to y’all,” Rice said in a recent interview for Revolt.
“Told him he can’t go out like that. I’m gonna make sure we get that next year. He was fine hanging it up. I’m pretty sure he was gonna hang it up. And I’m like, bro, we can’t go out like that.
“I’m like, ‘bro, we got to go win that. I’m going to make sure we win that.’ That’s what I told him.
“I texted him. He basically was like, ‘bro, I really appreciate that.’ He’s like, ‘you really got me thinking about it. I really appreciate you reaching out to me.’ And then I seen it pop up on the media. I said, all right now.”
A fresh look for a new chapter
As a symbolic gesture of moving forward, Kelce recently debuted a fresh haircut ahead of the new season. His longtime barber, Vince Garcia, shared the new look on Instagram, noting that while Kelce opted to keep his signature longer hairstyle, he trimmed his beard for a cleaner appearance.
The change marks the end of the previous season and signals a fresh start as he gears up for another year with the Chiefs.
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