Following the Kansas City Chiefs’ 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 59, discussions about tight end Travis Kelce’s potential retirement began to surface. The veteran has been an instrumental figure in the Chiefs’ dominant run over the past decade, openly reflecting on his future and acknowledging the physical and mental toll of the game.
Although we may never know how close Kelce came to hanging up the cleats, Chiefs Kingdom feared they had seen the last of the consecutive ten-time Pro Bowl tight end. Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice recently acknowledged that concern was also felt in the locker room.
Rashee Rice Comments on Travis Kelce’s Potential Retirement
In 2024, Kelce’s on-field performance declined, finishing with career lows in receiving yards (823), touchdowns (3) and yards-per-catch (8.5 average) on 97 receptions. Despite this down year, he remained one of the most effective tight ends in the NFL, ranking No. 3 in receptions, No. 5 in receiving yards and No. 3 in targets at his position.
With those numbers and a leadership role that cannot be quantified, losing Kelce would have been a significant blow to the team on and off the field. When asked about his concerns regarding Kelce’s potential retirement, Rice was candid with his thoughts.
After the Chiefs last Super Bowl loss, there were questions on if future Hall of Famer Travis Kelce would retire.
Caught up with Rashee Rice at a local Houston football camp who is happy to have his tight end back.
“I was real concerned, I ain’t gon lie. That’s Trav!” pic.twitter.com/t1ywdPr3Jq
— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) June 14, 2025
“I was real concerned, I ain’t gonna lie,” Rice recently told reporter Chancellor Johnson. The third-year wide receiver added that getting hurt last year was a “wake-up call,” and he’s happy to enjoy Kelce’s presence around the team.
Rice Takes Credit for Kelce Returning for 13th NFL Season
Despite still performing well at age 35, Kelce reportedly wrestled with stepping away from the game. Ultimately, his choice to return hinged on discussions with teammates, including Rice, who encouraged him to play another season.
Earlier this offseason, Rice even took credit for Kelce’s decision to return, stating he was 95% responsible for it.
“I ain’t even gonna lie, I’m 95 percent the reason he (Travis Kelce) ain’t retiring,” Rice said on the REVOLT Sports Weekly x I Am Athlete podcast. “(I) told him he can’t go out like that, make sure we get that next year. I’m pretty sure he was hanging it up, and I’m like, we can’t go out like that. We gotta go win that (Super Bowl), I’m going to make sure we win that, that’s what I told him.”
Kelce’s decision to return is a significant boost for a Chiefs team looking to reclaim its status as Super Bowl champions. Although Rice initially feared he wouldn’t have another opportunity to play alongside Kelce, he will now get at least one last dance with the future Hall of Fame tight end.