Tag: Travis Kelce

Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) walks off the field at the end of the first half of Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Pat McAfee: Chiefs TE Travis Kelce returning to play in 2025

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce is returning to the field next season.

Kelce made his intentions known with a text to Pat McAfee, who promptly shared it on his show Thursday.

“I’m coming back for sure,” Kelce wrote, per McAfee. “Gonna try and get into the best shape I’ve been this offseason and get back to the mountaintop. Got a real bad taste in my mouth with how I played in that last game and how I got the guys ready for battle. I can’t go out like that!!!!”

The text is in line with what Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said on Tuesday.

Kelce, 35, said earlier this month he was weighing his future in the wake of the Chiefs’ 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. Kelce wound up with four catches for 39 yards.

“I know everybody wants to know whether I’m playing next year and right now, I’m just kicking everything down the road. I’m kicking every can I can down the road. I’m not making any crazy decisions,” Kelce said on his “New Heights” podcast.

A four-time first-team All-Pro and 10-time Pro Bowl choice through 12 NFL seasons, Kelce would carry a $19.8 million cap hit in 2025.

Kelce made 97 receptions for 823 yards in the 2024 regular season, his lowest yardage total since 2014. He posted seven consecutive 1,000-yard years from 2016-22.

–Field Level Media

Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) takes the field before Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Report: Chiefs set deadline for Travis Kelce’s return decision

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Travis Kelce remains undecided about his playing future, and the Kansas City Chiefs will give him a month to make up his mind.

The team is asking the star tight end to state his position by March 14, The Athletic reported on Thursday.

There is a significance to the date choice: Kelce would be due an $11.5 million roster bonus on March 15 if he were to play on the final year of his contract in 2025.

Kelce, 35, is weighing his future in the wake of the Chiefs’ 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday in Super Bowl LIX.

Kelce wound up with four catches for 39 yards in New Orleans on Sunday.

“I know everybody wants to know whether I’m playing next year and right now, I’m just kicking everything down the road. I’m kicking every can I can down the road. I’m not making any crazy decisions,” Kelce said on his “New Heights” podcast released Wednesday.

A four-time first-team All-Pro and 10-time Pro Bowl choice through 12 NFL seasons, Kelce would carry a $19.8 million cap hit in 2025.

Kelce made 97 receptions for 823 yards in the 2024 regular season, his lowest yardage total since 2014. He posted seven consecutive 1,000-yard years from 2016-22.

“As you see yourself or not feel yourself have the success you once had, it’s a tough pill to swallow,” he said. “For that not to be there in the biggest moments, knowing your team’s counting on you, those are all extremely hard things … it’s just a tough reality.

“That process can be grueling. It can weigh on you, it can make you better, it can drive you crazy at the same time. And right now, it’s one of those things where it was driving me crazy this year. It happens as you kind of tail off towards the back nine of your career as SVP (ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt) would say.”

In 175 regular-season games, Kelce has 1,004 catches for 12,151 yards and 77 touchdowns. In 25 playoff games, he has 178 receptions for 2,078 yards and 20 TDs — all playoff records among tight ends.

–Field Level Media

Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) takes the field before Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Chiefs TE Travis Kelce taking time to ponder NFL future

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce said he won’t make any swift decisions about his NFL future following a disappointing Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Kelce, 35, was a non-factor in the Chiefs’ failed attempt at a historic threepeat, finishing with four catches for 39 yards on Sunday in New Orleans.

“I know everybody wants to know whether I’m playing next year and right now, I’m just kicking everything down the road. I’m kicking every can I can down the road. I’m not making any crazy decisions,” Kelce said on the latest episode of his “New Heights” podcast released Wednesday.

The 10-time Pro Bowl selection and four-time first-team All-Pro carries a $19.8 million cap hit in the final season of his contract in 2025, which would be his 13th NFL campaign.

Kelce co-hosts the popular podcast with his brother Jason Kelce, the longtime Eagles center who retired before the 2024 season.

Travis Kelce said many times during the weeks leading up to fifth Super Bowl appearance that he planned to return in 2025, but acknowledged that the extra grind of yet another long postseason run takes a toll.

“I’ve been fortunate over the past five, six years, I’ve played more football than anybody,” he said. “It’s because of the people that are in that building. The fact that we keep going to these AFC Championships and these Super Bowls, that means I’m playing an extra three games more than everybody else in the entire league. That’s a lot of wear and tear on your body and it’s a lot of time spent in the building, focusing on your craft, focusing on the task at hand and every challenge that you set up for yourself.”

Kelce caught 97 passes during the 2024 regular season for 823 yards, his lowest total since he had 862 in 2014. He posted seven straight 1,000-yard campaigns from 2016-22.

“As you see yourself or not feel yourself have the success you once had, it’s a tough pill to swallow,” he said. “For that not to be there in the biggest moments, knowing your team’s counting on you, those are all extremely hard things … it’s just a tough reality.

“That process can be grueling. It can weigh on you, it can make you better, it can drive you crazy at the same time. And right now, it’s one of those things where it was driving me crazy this year. It happens as you kind of tail off towards the back nine of your career as SVP [ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt] would say.”

Kelce, a third-round draft pick by Kansas City in 2013, has 1,004 receptions for 12,151 yards and 77 touchdowns in 175 regular season games. He has another 178 catches for 2,078 yards and 20 touchdowns — all playoff records — in 25 postseason starts.

–Field Level Media

Feb 3, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce speaks during Super Bowl LIX Opening Night at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images

Chiefs TE Travis Kelce: Quitting time can wait

Posted on | by Field Level Media

NEW ORLEANS — Travis Kelce is enjoying the Kansas City Chiefs’ dynasty era, with no plans to contemplate retirement no matter the outcome of Super Bowl LIX on Sunday.

Kelce, 35, said he has weighed what riding off into the sunset in the afterglow of a three-peat might feel like, but he is not seriously considering giving up football just yet.

“I’ve thought about it, but I still love what I do,” Kelce said Monday at Super Bowl LIX Opening Night.

“It’s moments like these, weeks like these, the month that we just had in the playoffs that make me feel like I could play this game forever. I think I still got a lot of football left in me. I think this year has been one of the most special years of my life. I think it’s gonna continue to make me want to do more in the football world.”

Kelce has averaged 7.8 receptions and 87.5 yards per Super Bowl during his career — both figures representing records among players who have appeared more than once. He needs three catches on Sunday to surpass Jerry Rice’s career Super Bowl record of 33.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid said for the second year in a row with a Super Bowl backdrop that he is not done yet, either. Kelce’s brother Jason, drafted by Reid with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2011, retired after last season at age 36.

But Travis Kelce hopes to still be playing football in three years.

“I love doing this. I love coming into work every day,” Travis Kelce said. “I feel like I still got a lot of good football left in me. We’ll see what happens.

“I know I’ve been setting myself up for other opportunities in my life. That’s always been the goal, knowing that football only lasts for so long. You’ve got to find a way to get into another career, another profession. I’ve been doing that in my offseasons. But for the most part, I’m planning on being a Kansas City Chief and playing football.”

Kelce added regarding his coach and teammates, “We’re a family in Kansas City. You only get to Super Bowls if you have that family atmosphere. I’m so lucky to do it with guys like (Reid), Pat Mahomes and Chris Jones.”

–Jeff Reynolds, Field Level Media

Dec 25, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) makes a catch against Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Chiefs TE Travis Kelce tops Pro Bowl fan voting

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce narrowly beat out Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs as the fans’ top vote-getter for the 2025 Pro Bowl Games on Feb. 2 in Orlando.

Amid another strong season for the AFC’s No. 1 seed, Kelce totaled 252,200 votes when balloting ended on Dec. 23, just ahead of Gibbs (252,082).

Following Gibbs were a trio of quarterbacks — the Washington Commanders’ Jayden Daniels (242,352), the Cincinnati Bengals’ Joe Burrow (239,526) and the Lions’ Jared Goff (225,858).

NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” will reveal the rosters for the AFC and NFC on Thursday.

Gibbs and Goff helped the Lions — who have a chance to clinch the NFC’s No. 1 seed Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings — finish first among all NFL teams in total votes, ahead of the Vikings, Commanders, Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Along with the fan votes, players and coaches also have a say in the makeup of the rosters. Players and coaches had a Dec. 27 deadline to submit their ballots.

The Pro Bowl Games, which culminate in a flag football game led by head coaches Peyton Manning (AFC) and Eli Manning (NFC), will air on Feb. 2 from 3-6 p.m. ET on ESPN and ABC.

A Pro Bowl Skills Show will be held on Jan. 30 from 7-8:30 p.m. ET in a made-for-TV event on ESPN. NFL stars will display their skills and competitiveness in unique competitions on and off the field.

–Field Level Media

Sep 22, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) breaks up a pass intended for Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Chiefs TE Travis Kelce focused on wins, not catches

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce said he isn’t too worried about his lack of production to start the season.

As long as the team keeps winning, that is.

Kelce has totaled just eight catches for 69 yards in three games this season. The four-time All-Pro and nine-time Pro Bowl selection said Wednesday on his “New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce” podcast that he feels the way opposing defenses have played the Chiefs thus far has prevented the ball from routinely coming his way.

“With how defenses are playing us right now, I’m not really getting a lot of opportunities to make plays down the field but (I’m) not using that as an excuse,” Travis Kelce said. “Moving forward, still trying to make sure that I help the team out in that regard knowing I’ve been that weapon for us in the past.”

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes noted earlier in the week that Kelce is drawing plenty of attention from opposing defenses.

“Yeah, it’s crazy because teams still — the respect factor they have for Travis is just unreal,” Mahomes said. “It’s well-deserved, but we’re calling a lot of plays for Travis, and it’s like two or three people are going to him. So, I mean, he understands.

“I think that’s the great thing about him is he wants to make an impact on the game, but he wants to win at the end of the day.”

Travis Kelce, who turns 35 on Oct. 5, led the Chiefs with 93 receptions for 984 yards and five touchdowns in 2023. He sat out Week 17 against the Los Angeles Chargers, forgoing a chance to stretch his streak of consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to eight in order to enter the playoffs healthy.

He has 915 receptions for 11,397 yards and 74 touchdowns in 162 regular-season games (155 starts) with the Chiefs since he was drafted in the third round in 2013.

“I’ve had a lot of catches in this league, man. I’m not worried about the catches and the yards and all that,” Travis Kelce said. “I have the most fun when the ball is thrown my way, who doesn’t? It has everything to do with execution, just making sure we’re doing whatever we can to win these football games, man. That’s always going to be the goal.”

Kansas City (3-0) has been winning its games due in large part to wide receiver Rashee Rice, who has team-leading totals in catches (24), receiving yards (288) and touchdown receptions (two).

The Chiefs will look to remain undefeated on the young season when they visit the Chargers (2-1) on Sunday in an AFC West clash.

–Field Level Media

Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) celebrates with girlfriend Taylor Swift after defeating the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs’ Travis Kelce buys stake of aptly named race horse

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Maybe Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce decided to buy a share of a race horse because of its name: Swift Delivery.

Kelce, who has won three Super Bowls, began dating music superstar Taylor Swift last summer.

Bloodhorse reported Tuesday that Kelce joined with the Zoldan Family — owners of Phantom Fireworks — to buy a “significant share” of interest in the 3-year-old gelding.

Per the report, Kelce attended the Kentucky Derby in May with the Zoldans.

Kelce’s financial stake in the horse is unknown, but he should be able to afford it. This week, he and his brother, recently retired Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, signed a three-year deal with Amazon’s Wondery for the rights to their popular podcast — “New Heights With Jason and Travis Kelce” — that reportedly is worth more than $100 million.

Swift Delivery has two wins this summer, including an allowance race July 19 at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto. Trained by Mark Casse, Swift Delivery is schedule to run his first stakes race on Saturday in the $125,000 Toronto Cup at Woodbine.

–Field Level Media