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Will Travis Kelce Play for Chiefs in 2026 Too? Star TE Busts Retirement Rumors
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Travis Kelce’s journey in the NFL is likely to continue. The Kansas City Chiefs’ big tight end is returning for his 13th season with the AFC West team, and all the signs point to a 14th.

Kelce joined the Chiefs’ minicamp on Saturday after skipping the OTAs. After Sunday’s session, he hinted about his future.

The 35-year-old disclosed that his contract runs until the end of the 2025-26 season. He plans to speak with the Chiefs’ front office after it ends.

I [have] got one year on this contract [with the Chiefs], I know that. And we’ll try to figure out something for next year…  We’ll deal with [2026] down the road, when the time is right. But right now, I’m focused on winning a championship this year.

Travis Kelce said via Chiefs reporter Darren Smith

This new update comes after Kelce nearly followed in his older brother’s footsteps after the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. He witnessed an uncharacteristic dip in form, recording 97 catches for 823 yards and just three touchdowns in 15 appearances.

On top of it, Kelce diversified his career options during last year’s offseason. His joint podcast venture with his brother took off, aside from dating the most famous woman on the planet, Taylor Swift.

Kelce stepped away from the spotlight for a short period to sort out his emotions. It wasn’t the correct moment to make such an important decision in his life. However, it merely took Kelce a few weeks to realize that he wanted to continue playing football because it did not feel right to end his career with a defeat.

[It] didn’t feel like it was my last game. Just felt like I had a lot more to prove… I felt like I still had that fire in my chest to come in and keep building and chase another Super Bowl.

Travis Kelce said

Did Travis Kelce lose weight?

Even though Kelce assured that he would play for the Chiefs in the new season, his absence from the early OTAs raised questions. Patrick Mahomes, Chris Jones, and Rashee Rice were back sweating at the Chiefs’ facility while Kelce attended hockey games and went on dates with his celebrity girlfriend.

The All-Pro athlete even tagged along with his brother to an event organized by Amazon in Cannes, France. So, when did he get the chance to shed 25 pounds?

Don’t believe all you read on the internet, guys. I’m down some weight from the end of last season.

Travis Kelce joked

Last year, questions were raised about his route running, so he focused on improving his leg muscles.

I had some time to focus on some form running and some things early in the offseason that I didn’t have time for last year. [I am]certainly feeling good, and I think it’ll pay off.

Kelce added

The Chiefs need Kelce’s experience and leadership skills to reclaim their title as the NFL’s best. Their dynasty is still intact. As a matter of fact, FS1’s Nick Wright believes the Chiefs have replaced the Dallas Cowboys as America’s Team.

[The Chiefs] have replaced the Dallas Cowboys as America’s Team, in a way that the Patriots didn’t. I didn’t feel like the Patriots were ever beloved outside of New England… I think the Chiefs are. In almost every city in America.

Nick Wright said via Sports Illustrated

Andy Reid’s team nearly secured a three-peat until the Eagles rained on their parade. With Mahomes as their quarterback and Kelce alongside him, the Chiefs will always remain a threat in football.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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