Travis Kelce on Returning to the NFL: 'It Wasn’t a Very Tough One'

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce said deciding to return for another NFL season was easy, driven by his hunger to prove himself and win another Super Bowl.

When weighing the choice to play another NFL season, Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce said he faced little doubt. He's not set on retiring from the league just yet, as he believes he still has a lot left in his tank.

"It wasn't a very tough one for me,” Kelce, 35, told reporters on June 18, 2025. "I know I'm getting older, but at the same time I still feel like I got a lot that I can prove in this league."

After the Chiefs' 40-22 Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in February, Kelce admitted the defeat left a bitter taste. He emphasized he doesn't see that game as his last, declaring, "I really didn’t feel like it was my last game. Just felt like I’ve got a lot more to prove."

"I'm only interested in Super Bowl rings," Kelce added, crediting his drive to win another title as a key factor in his decision to return.

Kelce made sure to let his emotions settle before deciding. "You don't want to make decisions off initial emotions. But for the most part, once they died down, I still felt like I had that fire in my chest to be able to keep coming in and building and be better and chase another Super Bowl," he explained.

Reflecting on last season, Kelce expressed disappointment in himself, particularly in being a leader. "So just setting the bar even higher for myself this year than I have in the past. Last year wasn't a success for me, and I'm motivated to make sure we get that other ring this year," the athlete shared with the press.

Kelce and the rest of the Chiefs have been hard at work in preparation for the NFL season. However, he's made sure to make time for things that matter, including his relationship with global superstar Taylor Swift.