One of the biggest concerns coming out of Super Bowl LIX was Travis Kelce‘s retirement. Everyone expected the TE to hang up his boots after claiming that he was the reason the team lost. There was a lot of suspense for more than three weeks while Kelce thought about the decision. But in the end, he chose to stay, making the fans happy. But the interesting aspect is that there’s more to the story. Behind the scenes, one more massive star made sure that the TE returns.

This star is none other than the WR Rashee Rice. Everyone knows Rice and Kelce have a strong friendship and mutual respect. The WR has also claimed on multiple occasions that their friendship extends beyond the field to the point that Kelce is “Just Trav” to him. And, guess what? Because of their bond, Travis Kelce seriously considered coming back. Rashee Rice shared this on the Revolt Sports channel, explaining how he texted Kelce about not retiring.

The WR stated to the TE that he cannot leave like that, and that the franchise deserved to bid him farewell by winning the Big Game. “I ain’t gonna lie to you, I am 95% of the reason he ain’t retired. I said to him you can’t go out like that, I am gonna make sure that we get that main sh*t.” Rashee Rice continued, “He was going to hang it up, I am pretty sure he was going to hang it up, and I am like bro, you can’t go out like that.”

Travis Kelce’s comeback provided the Chiefs with a tremendous desire to return to the top of their game. The TE spent a significant portion of his career at Kansas City, where he maintained an impeccable record. Now it’s up to the crew to send him off in style. Similar events occur in the NFL on a regular basis, and several players win the Super Bowl during their final season. Simply look at Peyton Manning. He recovered from a catastrophic neck injury and is considering retirement. But what happened after he decided to give it another shot? He lifted the Lombardi with the Broncos.

Andy Reid and the Chiefs are quite pleased with Travis Kelce’s decision. And the HC even argues that he has something for not allowing the TE to hang up his boots.

Andy Reid urged Travis Kelce to calm his mind and then consider retirement

A man should never make a big decision in a rush. There will always be consequences to his decisions. This is one of the major points Andy Reid raised with Travis Kelce at the time. The HC disclosed during a media appearance that he advised the TE to take a break. In this way, he won’t be thinking about the Super Bowl LIX loss, and he might be able to return to the field. More than that, if he believes that after taking the break, he should retire, that is his decision.

Reid claimed that he knew in this way he could stop the TE from hanging up the boots: “We had a great visit before he left. I always tell the guys to ‘Get out of here.’ You know, he’s an older guy. ‘Get out and get your mind to where it’s not one day after the Super Bowl. Get out there and relax a little bit. And then let your mind calm down and think about it.’ But he’s all in.” 

The head coach also expressed his belief in Travis Kelce’s game. He claimed that he is one of the most successful TEs in history and that he cannot be replaced. Reid believes that if Travis had retired, the Chiefs would have had to make a difficult decision about what to do next, but as they say, ‘Everything is well when it ends well.’