Travis Kelce Makes NFL Retirement Decision After Months of Speculation

Mar. 15, 2025

Travis Kelcesays he’s not done with football just yet.

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 thePat McAfee Showon 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!!!!”

Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs warms up prior to Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles.Kara Durrette/Getty

Kara Durrette/Getty

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.

Travis Kelce on Feb. 9, 2025 in New Orleans.Kevin Sabitus/Getty

Kevin Sabitus/Getty

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Travis Kelce on Dec. 25, 2024 in Pittsburgh.Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire via Getty

Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire via Getty

Mahomes said he’s going to “let Travis make that decision on his own” after he deserves some well-deserved rest following a long season. “He’s given so much to this team and to the NFL,” Mahomes said of the superstar tight end. “And he’s been such a joy, not only for me to work with, but for people to watch.”

Jason Kelce, who retired in March 2024,spoke about hisbrother’s difficult decision during a Feb. 21 episode ofThe Steam Room, saying, “I think Travis, I think he probably, in his heart, already knows what he wants to do. That’s the reality of it.”

source: people.com