Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is planning to play in 2025, as first reported by ESPN’s Pat McAfee and confirmed by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Kelce’s comments on his podcast after the Super Bowl indicated that he was considering retirement after 12 seasons and 200 games between the regular season and the playoffs. With a $12.5MM roster bonus due on March 15, the Chiefs reportedly set a March 14 deadline for his decision. When asked about Kelce at the Combine, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach both said that they expect him to play this year. (Veach also shot down the idea of a hard deadline for Kelce’s decision.)
McAfee then reached out directly to Kelce, who responded via text that he is “coming back for sure.” The four-time All-Pro promised to get in the best shape of his career in order to “get back to the mountaintop.”
“[I] 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,” Kelce continued. “I can’t go out like that!!!!”
Indeed, Kelce was one of many Chiefs to struggle in the Super Bowl, finishing with just four receptions for 39 yards. The offense was shut out in the first half and only managed six points in the third quarter. They added two more touchdowns in the fourth, but the game was all but over by that point.
With Kelce set to return this year, the Chiefs will likely explore a contract extension to lower his $19.8MM cap hit, especially with Trey Smith now on the franchise tag. Such an agreement wouldn’t ensure that Kelce will play beyond the 2025 season; rather, it would allow the Chiefs to prorate more of his cap burden into the future.
For now, though, Kelce (and Smith) will be playing for the Chiefs in 2025 as they vie for their fourth Super Bowl in five years.
Too bad
Watching his performance at the superbowl I thought he already retired. Mahomes is scrambling looking for help and Kelce is literally just watching. Not blocking not trying to get open nothing.
He also looked like he’d put on at least 10 pounds of lard.
It’s best to get out before the bottom drops out
I’m sure the $12.5M will help him power through the bottom dropping out
Thank goodness. A quality person who gives it his all. Good to have you back Travis
I’m really surprised by this. He’s a big celeb now, he should strike while the iron’s hot in the civilian world. He’s one breakup away from being infinitely less relevant.
He’ll go over $100MM in career earnings next season. One way or another, he can find a way to be relevant if he wishes.
He and his brother signed a $100 million podcast deal. The iron has been struck while hot.
He read my post from two days ago lol
Kelce lost a step and is more easily coverable by defenses. After taking a pounding in the 2025 season, he won’t be worth much in the playoffs again, at least as a receiver. Me thinks watching him in 2025 will be for nostalgia reasons only.
Sure he’s going to play, he can’t live on his allowance from Taylor.
and Pfizer
Yeah he’s busy living rent free in your heads lol
600 yards or less.
How Swiftly we all seem to forget how good this guy is. The Chief offense is Taylor made for Travis.