Travis Kelce canceled his retirement plans because of Rashee Rice, not Taylor Swift: “I am 95% of the reason”

Travis Kelce nearly retired if Rashee Rice hadn’t intervened. The young wide receiver wanted to keep playing with Kelce because he wanted to win more Super Bowls.

Rice missed the second year of his NFL career after hurting his knee in week one. Even though his recovery process was on the right track, legal issues restricted him from making any appearances the entire season.

Despite missing one of the best young receivers in the NFL, the Chiefs reached their third consecutive Super Bowl but lost 40-22 to the Philadelphia Eagles. Following the disappointing outcome, Kelce contemplated retiring from football. However, Rice convinced him to abort the plans.

I ain’t gonna lie to y’all, I’m 95% of the reason he [Travis Kelce] ain’t retiring.

Rashee Rice told former NFL WR Brandon Marshall on Revolt.

The answer intrigued Marshall, who asked Rice to elaborate on his exchange with Kelce regarding his retirement plans.

I told him he can’t go out like that. I’m gonna make sure we get that next year. He was finna hang 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 texted him… He’s like, ‘You really got me thinking about it. I really appreciate you reaching out to me’

Rashee Rice added

Only a year ago, in 2024, Travis’ older brother Jason Kelce said goodbye to football, and he too seemed close to following in his footsteps. However, the All-Pro tight end surprised everyone by announcing that he would return to the Chiefs for the 2025 season.

[And] then I seen it pop up on the media. I said, ‘All right now’

Rashee Rice concluded

TRENDING: #Chiefs Rashee Rice convinced Travis Kelce to not retire by guaranteeing him a Super Bowl win.

“I ain't gonna lie to y'all, I'm 95% of the reason he ain't retiring”

“Told him he can't go out like that. I'm gonna make sure we get that next year” pic.twitter.com/qt6fhfz80E

— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) March 14, 2025

The Chiefs gave Kelce an ultimatum to make up his mind quickly or retire. He opted to stick around a bit longer.

He was fired up, he has one more year under contract. Still think he has that fire and desire to play. We left it as, he’d be back and we’re excited to get him back and get him going.

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach revealed

Not just Rashee Rice, Taylor Swift also played a big part in convincing Travis Kelce to postpone his retirement

There’s no confirmation on whether Rice played the role of the catalyst in luring Kelce away from retirement. The 3x Super Bowl winner continues to keep that information private. Yet there’s one individual who undeniably played a major part in his final decision.

Kelce’s girlfriend and renowned singer Taylor Swift witnessed the Super Bowl heartbreak firsthand, and as per sources close to the pair, she advised him to forget about retiring.

[Taylor Swift] didn’t want Travis to retire. She wanted him to go out on a high note.

A source told Page Six

In an episode of his New Heights podcast back in February, Kelce apologized to his fans for the terrible Super Bowl outcome.

I wish I had made better decisions early on to help my guy Pat [Patrick Mahomes] out and help my team find that momentum and that confidence. But you know, I just have to tip my hat to the Eagles.

Travis Kelce said

Kelce further added that Swift’s music helped him get through the depressed state right after the game in New Orleans.

I just listen to Taylor’s music. She has something for everything. That’s fair. That’s a good point. No matter what mood, you can find some Taylor music.

Travis Kelce told his older brother

Kelce later revealed the reason to return for another year instead of retiring.

I still feel like I can play at a high level and possibly at a higher level than I did last year. I don’t think it was my best outing. I think I let my guys down in a lot more moments than I helped them.

Travis Kelce added

Kelce will play his 13th season in the NFL. Last year he posted 97 receptions for 823 yards and 3 touchdowns in 16 outings.