What Travis Kelce Told Chiefs About NFL Future After Missing 2025 Playoffs Revealed By GM

Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach revealed that Travis Kelce told him he didn't want to retire at the end of the 2025 season after the Chiefs missed the playoffs.

"Travis basically said, 'I'm not going out like this, let's stay in touch,'" Veach said during a Tuesday appearance on The Schrager Hour (via Natasha Dye of People).

"I think there was more doubt in the middle of the season," he added.

Kelce's NFL future was initially uncertain after his contract expired at the end of his 2025 campaign, although he eventually returned to Kansas City on a three-year contract worth $54.735 million.

The Chiefs are coming off a disappointing 6-11 finish in 2025, missing the playoffs for the first time since the 2014 season. Star quarterback Patrick Mahomes also suffered a torn ACL in Week 15.

Despite Kansas City's overall struggles, Kelce remained productive.

The 36-year-old caught 76 passes while ranking No. 4 among all tight ends with 851 receiving yards. He also found the end zone five times.

As the Chiefs attempt to become an AFC contender once again in 2026, Kelce seems to be using last season as motivation.