The Chiefs star, Travis Kelce, has left the door open to his return for next season, suggesting that this year might not be the last in his illustrious career. With 13 years of experience in the NFL, Kelce understands the difficulty of retirement, as experienced by his brother Jason Kelce, former Philadelphia Eagles player, after the 2023 season. Although he is in the last year of his contract, Kelce revealed that he plans to make a decision about his future with the Chiefs in early March, before the start of the NFL free agency.
Kelce, 36, has maintained his focus on the current season since June. Should he return for his 14th season, Kelce emphasized that he does not want a farewell tour from fans, teams, or players. A key reason for Kelce to consider renewing with the Chiefs in the offseason is his current performance, which positions him as one of the most productive tight ends in the NFL. Kelce is on track for his eighth season with 1,000 receiving yards, the first since 2022. Despite the presence of talented receivers on the Chiefs like Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Hollywood Brown, and Tyquan Thornton, Kelce leads the team in targets (66), receptions (50), yards (631), touchdowns (4), and first downs per reception (33). Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals (718) is the only tight end with more yards than Kelce. Kelce praised the Chiefs’ receivers for their contribution to their success.I want to give the Chiefs a fair chance, whether I come back or not, or whether they want me back or not. I would like to make that decision before they have to choose draft picks and free agency opens to fill the roster properly.
Travis Kelce
During the offseason, Kelce trained in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with Tony Villani to regain some of the speed, agility, and quickness he felt he had lost in the last two seasons. The notable improvement in his athleticism has allowed Kelce to recover a characteristic that made him one of the best receivers in the league: he has punished opposing defenses with 339 yards after the reception, the third-highest amount among tight ends.I think what they’re seeing is that I’m a product of my environment at this point. It’s all based on how the offensive line does and how the guys around us do and obviously the chemistry that Patrick Mahomes and I have been able to build up over the years.
Travis Kelce
Kelce stated that the offseason work “definitely helped me at least get a head start on some of the wear and tear” of a season. In last week’s loss against the Denver Broncos, he broke the Chiefs’ record for most touchdowns in franchise history, with his 84th score. Although the Chiefs are averaging more points this year (25.4) than last year (22.6), they arrive at Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts with a 5-5 record. The Chiefs’ five losses have been by seven points or less. Kelce is confident that the Chiefs, who are out of the AFC playoff race, can improve their performance down the stretch, especially in the final quarter of games, to secure a playoff spot.He’s done a great job. He worked like crazy in the offseason to get in top shape, which you have to do when you start getting older. You have to work a little harder, and he did. It’s paying off.
Coach Andy Reid
I just think the chemistry, how close we are, and how much we’re willing to fight for each other, it’s not an effort thing. It’s just execution. We’re here every day putting in the effort to figure that out. You feel for the coaches. They’re tweaking things a little bit to get us to focus on those details so we can play fast and play with a purpose.
Travis Kelce
