Kelce returning in 2025: 'I can't go out like that'

Travis Kelce isn't ready to call it a career just yet.

The Kansas City Chiefs tight end will be returning for his 13th NFL season, telling ESPN's Pat McAfee that he's "coming back for sure" in a text message.

"Gonna try and get to the best shape I've been this offseason and get back to the mountain top," Kelce wrote, according to McAfee. "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."

Kelce admitted after Kansas City's blowout Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles that he was uncertain about his NFL future. He caught only four passes for 39 yards in the Super Bowl loss - one of Kansas City's worst performances in the Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes era.

"I can play, it's just whether or not I'm motivated or it's the best decision for me as a man, as a human, as a person to take on all that responsibility," Kelce said Feb. 12.

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said earlier this week that the franchise is expecting Kelce back. "We're excited to get him back and get him going," the executive said.

Kelce has established himself as one of the best tight ends in NFL history but was limited to 823 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 2024, the lowest single-season marks of his career, excluding his injury-plagued rookie year.

Kelce has caught 1,004 career passes for 12,151 yards and 77 touchdowns across 175 regular-season appearances since being drafted in the third round in 2013.

He's also recorded 178 postseason receptions - the most in NFL playoff history - and was key to the Chiefs establishing a dynasty by winning three Super Bowls in five seasons.

The 10-time Pro Bowler owns several tight end records, including the most 1,000-yard seasons with seven. He's also earned four first-team All-Pro berths and was a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.