Travis Kelce has discussed his future with Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid (Image: AP)
Travis Kelce isn’t quite ready to call it quits on his illustrious career. Ahead of the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium, Brett Veach, the Kansas City Chiefs general manager, conveyed a strong belief that would be donning his gear for the 2025-26 season, which is the concluding chapter of his lucrative two-year, $34.25million (£27m) contract.
This optimism from the front office follows Kansas City’s crushing defeat by the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, after which 35-year-old Kelce indicated he would contemplate his future in retirement. Veach told reporters: “How we left at the end of the season is that he was fired up.
“He has one more year under contract, [I] still think he has that fire and desire to play. As far as I’m concerned there is no deadline. I think we left it as he’d be back. We’re excited to get him back and get him going.” These confident words somewhat contradict head coach Andy Reid’s ambiguous statements about Kelce’s uncertain future, although Reid divulged that they’ve spoken about the matter.
“That’s up to Travis,” Reid said. “At this point, get out of town and relax. That’s kind of my motto for these guys. They played a lot of games … for a consistent amount of seasons here. And so you get to the end of the thing, you’ve exhausted yourself mentally and physically.
“Step back and take care of that, then we’ll talk. But for right now, I think that’s what he’s doing. He and I will get together. Now, listen, I had exit meetings with all the guys before they left. So we did have a chance to talk.” Kelce himself expressed his uncertainty about returning to the field in 2025 while appearing on an episode of the ‘New Heights’ podcast, which aired on February 12. “I think I’m gonna take some time to figure it out,” he revealed.
The 10-time Pro Bowler has one more year on his contract (Image: Getty)
“I think I owe it to my teammates that if I do come back, it’s gonna be something that it’s a wholehearted decision and I’m not half—— it.” Kelce emphasized the importance of a well-informed decision, stating: “I’m fully here for them and I think I could play, it’s just whether or not I’m motivated or it’s the best decision for me as a man, as a human, as a person to take on all that responsibility.”
Last season, Kelce struggled to replicate his former success, posting career lows in receiving yards (823), yards per reception (8.5), and touchdowns (three) over 16 regular-season games. His postseason numbers were equally underwhelming, with 13 catches for 175 yards and one touchdown, culminating in an uneventful display at Super Bowl LIX.
Reid’s indication that Kelce is taking time to deliberate about his future suggests that his playing status remains uncertain as the Chiefs prepare for another season.