Travis Kelce Says It 'Wasn't a Hard Decision' to Return to Chiefs, 'A Lot to Prove'

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce said it "wasn't a hard decision" to hold off retirement and return to the team, saying he still has "a lot to prove."

Kelce, who has one year left on his contract, also noted that he can't envision playing anywhere else.

Kelce is a 10-time Pro Bowler, four-time All-Pro and three-time Super Bowl winner who has played 12 NFL seasons. The 35-year-old stayed productive in his 12th NFL campaign, catching 97 passes for 823 yards and three touchdowns before adding 13 receptions for 175 yards and another score in three playoff games.

Kelce hasn't been as productive as he's been in past years, although he was once the best tight end in football and routinely put up 1,000-yard seasons. In 2022, Kelce arguably had his best-ever season, catching 110 passes for 1,338 yards and 12 touchdowns.

The former University of Cincinnati star averaged at least 12 yards per reception from 2014-2022. However, that number dipped to a career-low 8.5 yards per catch in 2024.

Still, Kelce led the 15-2 Chiefs, who earned the AFC's No. 1 seed and reached the Super Bowl for the fifth time since 2019, in receptions and receiving yards.

So although Kelce's prime might be behind him based on his statistical regression of late, he's still got something left in the tank. His 97 receptions were third in the NFL last year among tight ends, while his 823 receiving yards were fifth at his position.

There was speculation that 2024 could be Kelce's last year, and there was certainly talk about that after the Chiefs' loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl, but the likely future Pro Football Hall of Famer will be back for 2025 as he hopes to help guide Kansas City to a fifth Super Bowl title in franchise history.