KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Just under an hour after what many assumed would be his final game at Arrowhead Stadium, Travis Kelce opted for humor. Following the Kansas City Chiefs” Christmas night defeat to the Denver Broncos, he was asked if he considered that he might not play another game at the iconic venue. Kelce responded, “No, the only time it ever crossed my mind, I was driving in the other day and I saw how much the Power Ball was. And I was like, “Man, if I could just win that, I wouldn”t have to work another day in my life.”” While the Power Ball may not be in his future, Kelce”s intentions for a 14th NFL season became clear.
During the latest episode of “New Heights,” Kelce shared with his brother that he made his decision to continue playing in 2026 about halfway through the season. He explained that after the Chiefs” season finale on January 4, he took a moment to reflect. “I think taking a step back, letting the emotions settle down, the frustrations from the season,” he noted. “Of course, I want to come back. Of course, I don”t want to end my career not making the playoffs, not having one of the best years.” He emphasized the importance of evaluating his physical condition and mental state, acknowledging, “I f—ing hated the way that sh– ended last year. And I want to do this. I want to make it right, get another chance at a Super Bowl.”
Kelce is on the verge of breaking records, needing only 45 receiving yards to surpass Jason Witten (13,046) for the second-most yards by a tight end in NFL history. Tony Gonzalez holds the top spot with 15,127 yards. Additionally, Kelce and Jerry Rice are the only players across all positions to achieve at least 800 receiving yards in 12 consecutive seasons.
While Patrick Mahomes is recovering from a knee injury, Kelce stated that this did not influence his decision to play another season. He also clarified that the addition of Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker had no bearing on his choice. “No, no, I knew that Pat was going to be Pat and he”s going to work his f—ing tail off to get back and be at his best,” Kelce explained. “I knew Coach Andy Reid was going to make adjustments. I knew Brett Veach was going to do his best to get the best guys in here. We”ve got Eric Bieniemy, one of my favorite coaches of all f—ing time, coming back into the building.”
Kelce took a moment to assess his situation, considering factors beyond the team”s roster changes. “You list these pros and cons, and all of a sudden we get all these good pieces. But where”s my body at? And where is my mental, my determination, my focus, my love for the game? All of that”s still there,” he said. After reflecting on these aspects, he felt ready to commit to another season, with both the coaches and the Kansas City Chiefs aware of his intentions as the offseason approaches.
