Travis Kelce Makes NFL Retirement Decision After Months of Speculation…

After months of speculation about whether or not Kelce, 35, will retire from the NFL, the Kansas City Chiefs star shared that he’s returning to professional football for another season.

On an episode of the Pat McAfee Show on Thursday, Feb. 27, McAfee read a text message he received from the tight end.

According to the text message, Kelce said he’s “coming back for sure” next season with the Chiefs. “Gonna try and get to the best shape I’ve been this offseason and get back to the mountaintop,” Kelce continued, per McAfee.

The Chiefs star reportedly added, “Got a real bad taste in my mouth with how I played in that last game and how I got the guys ready for battle. I can’t go out like that!!!!”

After a disappointing loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2025 Super Bowl on Feb. 9, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said he was “not sure” if Kelce would return to the NFL for another season.

Earlier this month, The Athletic reported that the team needs his decision by March 14. The tight end’s contract with the Chiefs runs through the 2025 season and includes an $11.5 million roster bonus that is due to him on March 15 if he stays with the team, the outlet noted.