Kyle Terada-Imagn Images / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Patrick Mahomes Reacts to Travis Kelce's Official Chiefs Announcement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Mar 12, 2026 7:08 PM ET

Travis Kelce has achieved a lot in his 13-year NFL career so far. He has recorded 1,080 receptions for 13,002 yards and 82 touchdowns, building one of the best QB-TE duos in NFL history with his Kansas City Chiefs teammate Patrick Mahomes.

The Chiefs tight end has won three Super Bowl titles in the process, along with earning seven All-Pro selections and 11 Pro Bowl nods. He has also been selected as a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.

Clearly, Kelce has nothing left to prove. So, just like last offseason when his NFL future was in doubt, retirement talks surrounded him once again.

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce looks on before a game.© Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Interestingly, the 36-year-old decided to return for his 14th season in the NFL. His decision was reported at the start of free agency, and the Chiefs made it official after the start of the new league year on Wednesday.

"Ain’t done yet. @killatrav is back," the Chiefs posted on Instagram.

On Thursday, Kelce confirmed his return with a video montage showing several moments from his time with the Chiefs. He captioned his post, "Let’s get this thing rockin!!"

Mahomes, for his part, expressed his excitement and delight at seeing his veteran teammate run it back with the Chiefs.

"LFGGGGGGG!!!!!" Mahomes wrote on Kelce's post.

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It's not surprising to see Mahomes get hyped for Kelce, though. As mentioned, the two have an elite connection that has been polished for years.

In fact, according to the Chiefs, the Mahomes-Kelce duo has connected for 54 touchdowns together. That's the most "QB-pass catcher connections in Chiefs history" and is tied for the "third-most QB-tight end touchdown connections in league history."

Aside from Mahomes, the Chiefs also commented on Kelce's post, writing: "ALRIGHT NAH TRAV."

Kelce reportedly signed a one-year, $12 million contract with Kansas City, although the value could go up to $15 million.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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