Travis Kelce gets candid on why he’s returning for one more year with the Chiefs after Super Bowl heartbreak

Travis Kelce, 35, has played for the Kansas City Chiefs for twelve seasons and led them to three Super Bowls.

Travis Kelce gets candid on why he’s returning for one more year with the Chiefs after Super Bowl heartbreak

Travis Kelce (Image via NBC)

In a decision driven by personal redemption and team loyalty, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has officially confirmed his return for a 13th NFL season. After weeks of speculation, Kelce spoke candidly about his motivations on the “New Heights” podcast, opening his reasons for returning for one final time.

The 10-time Pro Bowler admitted he wasn’t satisfied with his performance last season and feels he has more to offer the Chiefs. The tight-end who holds the franchise record for most receptions and most receiving yards had regressed a lot from his previous years.

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By his lofty expectations, Kelce’s 2024 season fell short.

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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 said

Kelce’s impact stretches beyond the football field. His relationship with pop star Taylor Swift has amplified his celebrity status. Furthermore, his ventures in entertainment—hosting an Amazon Prime game show and guest-starring in an FX drama—have showcased his personality to a broader audience.

However, when it comes to his football future, Kelce remains focused on his commitment to the Chiefs. He is under contract for one more season, though he remains uncertain if it will be his last.

I feel like there’s a responsibility in me to play out the contract that I initially signed, to give Kansas City and the Chiefs organization everything that I got. I can’t say whether or not this is going to be the last year because I still love a lot of what I do for the city of Kansas City and the Chiefs organization.

Travis Kelce admitted

Travis Kelce had one of his worst seasons in the NFL in 2024

Despite Kansas City’s third consecutive Super Bowl appearance, the veteran tight end posted his lowest regular-season stats since his rookie year. He finished the season with 823 receiving yards, three touchdowns, and an average of 8.5 yards per reception. He managed just one touchdown in the postseason, his lowest tally since 2018.

Travis Kelce at Super Bowl LIX
Travis Kelce at Super Bowl LIX (Image via FOX4KC)

The Super Bowl 59 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, where Kelce recorded only four catches for 39 yards, was particularly painful. He called the defeat “probably the biggest factor” in his decision to return, describing it as an “all-time low.”

Kelce has been instrumental in the Chiefs’ dominant run over the past six seasons, helping them secure five Super Bowl appearances and three championships. His individual accolades are equally impressive: he holds the NFL record for most playoff receptions and 100-yard games, as well as the Super Bowl record for receptions. From 2016 to 2022, Kelce recorded an unprecedented seven consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, the longest streak for a tight end in NFL history.

Related: Nick Wright remains HYPED UP for Travis Kelce’s return for a “revenge season” with Chiefs