Travis Kelce Returns for a 13th NFL Season with the Kansas City Chiefs
After months of speculation about his potential retirement, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has confirmed that he will return for a 13th NFL season in 2025. The news, which was shared on his podcast New Heights and in an interview with ESPN’s Pat McAfee, puts to rest rumors that the 35-year-old might hang up his cleats. Kelce made it clear that he’s motivated to improve and bounce back after a disappointing performance in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on February 9. “I’ve got a real bad taste in my mouth with how I played in that last game,” he admitted. “I can’t go out like that.” His decision ensures that one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history will continue to pursue another championship.
A Legacy of Excellence and a Drive to Succeed
Kelce, who has been with the Chiefs since being drafted in 2013, is entering the final year of a two-year contract he signed in 2024. While he remains one of the most prolific tight ends in the league, his stats from the 2024 season showed a slight decline, with 97 catches (third among tight ends), 823 receiving yards, and just three touchdowns—his fewest since his rookie season. Despite this, he continues to cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats. His 1,004 career receptions rank him among just 15 players in NFL history with over 1,000 catches, and his 12,151 receiving yards place him 28th on the all-time list.
Balancing Football and Fame Off the Field
Travis Kelce’s impact extends far beyond the football field. Over the years, he has become a household name, not just for his on-field accomplishments but also for his growing presence in pop culture. In 2023, he began dating global pop superstar Taylor Swift, whose attendance at Chiefs games further amplified his celebrity status. By the 2024 Super Bowl, the Swift-Kelce storyline became a major talking point, with the Los Angeles Times noting that it elevated the game’s cultural significance. The Super Bowl that year became the most-watched TV event in history, drawing an average audience of 123.4 million viewers.
Expanding His Brand Beyond Football
Kelce has embraced opportunities outside of football to build a broader platform. In 2024, he premiered a game show on Amazon Prime, further solidifying his status as a multimedia personality. He also made his acting debut in an FX drama series, showcasing his versatility beyond sports. Additionally, his podcast New Heights, which he co-hosts with his brother Jason, has become a massive success. In 2024, the podcast was acquired by an Amazon subsidiary in a reported $100 million deal, making it one of the most valuable in the industry. Kelce’s ability to transcend football and become a mainstream celebrity is rare, especially for a non-quarterback.
Why He’s Coming Back: The Pursuit of Greatness
Had Kelce decided to retire, he would have had no shortage of opportunities. His combination of football fame and off-field ventures made him one of the most marketable athletes in the world. However, Kelce’s decision to return to the Chiefs reflects his relentless drive to win. With three Super Bowl victories already under his belt (2019, 2022, and 2023), he’s chasing a fourth title. His partnership with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been instrumental in the team’s postseason success, and Kelce’s postseason performances are among the best in NFL history. He holds the record for the most career 100-yard playoff games (nine) and surpassed Jerry Rice for the most Super Bowl catches (35) during the Chiefs’ 2025 Super Bowl run.
The Future and the Legacy of a Legendary Tight End
Travis Kelce’s decision to return for another season is a testament to his love for the game and his determination to cement his legacy as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history. With his on-field brilliance, off-field charisma, and growing presence in popular culture, Kelce continues to redefine what it means to be an NFL player. Whether he achieves another Super Bowl victory or not, his impact on the game and beyond is already undeniable. As he prepares for the 2025 season, fans can expect more of the same grit, passion, and excellence that have defined Travis Kelce’s career.
