There’s no doubt that Travis Kelce’s legendary career is nearing its end. A run of dominance that has stretched on for over a decade has left Kelce arguably the greatest tight end in NFL history. But after a heartbreaking loss in Super Bowl 59, his future looked murkier than ever, with rumors of retirement floating around Kansas City.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid spoke with Kelce at the end of the Super Bowl, and after some thought, the three-time Super Bowl champion is returning for another shot at glory in 2025.
Andy Reid Spills Beans About His Post-Super Bowl Conversation With Travis Kelce
Speaking with Camron Smith during an appearance on The Bettor Angle, Reid revealed that he advised Kelce to “get out of here” and be alone to think clearly.
“We had a great visit before he left,” he said. “I always tell the guys to ‘Get out of here.’ Get out and get your mind where it’s not one day after the Super Bowl. Get out there and relax a little bit. And then let your mind calm down and think about it.”
Kelce has been slowing down statistically over the last couple of seasons. Since 2016, the previous two years have been his worst from a receiving perspective, as he’s tallied under 1,000 yards in both seasons and just eight total touchdowns.
To put it in perspective, his 2022 campaign saw him gain 1,338 receiving yards, along with 12 touchdowns. So, as his production started to decline, the questions over his retirement started popping up. But the 35-year-old is all-in for another season with the Chiefs.
“He’s all in,” said Reid on the podcast. “He’s a heck of a player; I mean, listen, he’s getting older, but you’re talking about the guy that’s going to go down as maybe the best of all time at that position.”
Kelce already holds the most receptions in postseason history (178) and sits second in playoff receiving yards (2,078), trailing only Jerry Rice (2,245). Even in a down year, he led Kansas City in receptions (97) and cremainedPatrick Mahomes’ most trusted target.
Kelce’s return is huge for the Chiefs, but there’s no denying his role is evolving. Over the past five years, his EPA per target (a key efficiency metric) has declined, dropping from first among tight ends in 2020 to 10th in 2024.
Meanwhile, younger stars like Brock Bowers, Sam LaPorta, and Trey McBride have surged ahead in production. Still, Kelce’s experience and chemistry with Mahomes remain invaluable.
As Kelce prepares for his 13th NFL season, he has one year left on his contract with the Chiefs. While he hasn’t explicitly stated whether this upcoming season would be his last, it would seem the stars are aligning for a farewell tour in 2025.