For weeks, the speculation was everywhere. Was Travis Kelce finally calling it a career? After 12 seasons, three Super Bowl rings, and more postseason records than most tight ends could dream of, had he reached the finish line? It wasn’t just random gossip, either. Kelce’s 2024 season had all the signs of a player nearing the end. His streak of seven straight 1,000-yard seasons? Gone. His Super Bowl LIX performance? Four catches for 39 yards—nowhere near his usual dominance. Add in the Chiefs’ offense struggling at times and the wear and tear of over a decade in the league, and you could see why some thought retirement was on the table. But, did we really think he was about to walk away?

Retirement can wait. That’s what Kelce feels. On Thursday, he officially shut down the rumors with a text message to Pat McAfee, which was later read aloud on The Pat McAfee Show. Kelce made the announcement loud and clear, “I can’t go out like that!”, officially declaring his commitment to another year. His return is a massive win for the Chiefs, who now retain their most reliable offensive weapon and Patrick Mahomes’ go-to target. With Kelce’s return, Kansas City’s focus in the 2025 NFL Draft may shift from finding an immediate replacement to adding depth at tight end. The team still needs to plan for the future, but for now, Chiefs Kingdom can breathe a sigh of relief as No. 87 isn’t done yet.

And it wasn’t just fans, even Patrick Mahomes didn’t hold his excitement. He shared a celebratory meme on social media in response to Kelce’s announcement, sharing a meme from “The Last Dance” documentary, as a playful nod to their continued partnership. Honestly, could there be a better way to sum up Mahomes and Kelce? For eight seasons, they’ve been the heartbeat of Kansas City’s offense, stacking up three Super Bowl rings and setting an NFL record with 18 postseason touchdowns as a duo. But last season? Things weren’t as smooth. The Chiefs’ receiving corps struggled, defenses locked in on Kelce, and for the first time in years, he looked human. His 823 yards were his lowest since 2015, and by the time the Super Bowl rolled around, he managed just four catches for 39 yards.

This isn’t just another season. This is two future Hall of Famers coming back with something to prove. And if we’ve learned anything over the years, it’s this: betting against Mahomes and Kelce when they’ve got a point to make? Bad idea.

Chiefs’ General Manager Brett Veach is also confident in Kelce’s return, showing the tight end’s enthusiasm for the upcoming season. “He’s fired up,”. We all saw him hauling in 97 catches for 823 yards and 5 touchdowns, which was his lowest yardage since his rookie season in 2013. His usual 1,000-yard streak had already ended in 2023, the wear and tear is starting to show, and the Chiefs’ shaky WR play didn’t help, allowing defenses to key in on him even more. And then there was Super Bowl LIX, where he finished with just 4 catches for 39 yards, which is something that clearly ate at him

Chiefs’ TE Travis Kelce Strategy for NFL Draft

With Kelce back in the fold, our favorite tight end isn’t hanging up his cleats just yet. While the veteran tight end remains a key offensive weapon, the Chiefs’ draft plans are getting a shake-up. It’s time to think about the future. Enter Penn State’s Tyler Warren, who is a 6’6″, 261-pound tight end who’s been turning heads with his Gronk-like potential for his versatility and athleticism, as a future successor. Mock drafts have linked Warren to the Chiefs, suggesting he could be an ideal fit to learn under Kelce’s tutelage.

Warren isn’t the only prospect on the Chiefs’ radar. Michigan’s Colston Loveland and Texas’s Gunnar Helm have also caught the attention of scouts, each bringing unique skill sets that could complement Kansas City’s high-powered offense. As the draft approaches, the Chiefs’ front office is meticulously evaluating these talents to ensure a seamless transition when Kelce eventually hangs up his cleats.

In addition to draft considerations, the Chiefs are exploring free agency to add experienced depth to the tight end room. With Kelce leading the charge, Kansas City has the flexibility to develop young talent while maintaining a formidable offensive lineup. The combination of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers aims to keep the Chiefs in Super Bowl contention for years to come.

As the 2025 season approaches, Chiefs fans can look forward to another year of Kelce’s electrifying performances. His return not only solidifies the team’s offensive core but also provides an invaluable opportunity for emerging talents to learn from one of the game’s best. With strategic draft picks and savvy roster moves, Kansas City is poised to remain a dominant force in the NFL.