Travis Kelce himself may not have confirmed his return to the Kansas City Chiefs, but his teammates definitely seem pumped to have him back for another round.
NFL insiders noted that just ahead of the free agency stage, Travis, 36, was in talks to sign a new contract with the team, extending his tenure for a 14th season amid conversations that he was considering retirement this year.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who is close friends with Travis and his fiancée Taylor Swift, seemingly confirmed the news on his own social media page.
© Getty ImagesPatrick, 30, took to his Instagram with a pair of photos from past game days with Travis, simply captioned with a clock emoji and a bow and arrow. Fans were excited to see a seeming confirmation from one of Travis' closest allies, which the official New Heights page only further solidified with a positive reaction to the post.
Travis' return
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Monday, March 9 that Travis was signing a $12 million contract for one more season with the Chiefs, worth up to $15 million.
He also reported that the tight end was turning down offers worth more from other teams in the free agency bid to instead stay with the Chiefs. Travis has been with the team for the entirety of his professional NFL career, which began back in 2013. He also has three Super Bowl wins with the team (Super Bowl LIV, LVII and LVIII).
Looking back
On his podcast New Heights, which he co-hosts with his brother Jason Kelce (who retired after 13 years with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024), Travis recently addressed what he'd miss most about playing if he were to retire. "Man, I think it's just those moments in the big games."
"The feeling of having to rise to the occasion, be there for, you know, 70,000, that are all counting on you out there, outside of just the guys that you go to war with, you guys go to battle with, man."
"Those moments of rising to the occasion in the heat of the battle, you know, in the playoffs and all the big games out there, man, that's a feeling that I know I'll never get again," he added. "And those are the things that you cherish the most."
"And especially, you know, if you're fortunate enough to be in the playoffs and make runs at it, man, the satisfaction that you get and the successful feeling you get of all the hard work that you put in is finally paying off, and I think that'll that'll be one of the things I miss the most, man, for sure."
© Getty ImagesBack in January, speaking after a loss for the Chiefs, Travis told reporters: "I'm proud of the way we finished this, even though it ended the way it did. The guys still showed up and gave it their all. That's all you can ask for, man."
© Getty ImagesHe noted that he'd be taking some time to contemplate the decision with loved ones before coming to a conclusion by March aka the free agent and drafting season. "I've got so much love for this team, this organization and the people here. I'll spend some time with them, go through exit meetings and get close to the family and figure things out."
