Travis Kelce leaves door open for Chiefs contract extension after postponing retirement from the NFL

When Travis Kelce decided to postpone retirement from football this offseason, many took it for granted that the 2025 NFL season would be his last year on the gridiron. However, the veteran tight end isn’t ruling out a contract extension with the Kansas City Chiefs.

“I mean, it’s the last one on the contract,” Kelce said when asked if 2025 will be his last year in the NFL, during a recent appearance on the Bussin’ With the Boys Podcast. “I’m focused on this one. I don’t know what next year is going to feel like.“

Kelce, who turns 36 in October, is entering the final of a two-year, $34.25 million deal signed with the Chiefs in April 2024. Since he considered retiring before playing out the remainder of his contract, many assumed that 2025 would be his last season in the NFL. However, Kelce knows that it might be too soon to tell.

Kelce motivated to continue competing with Chiefs

Just like it happened to him this year, the tight end is aware that he may find it hard to step away from the game he loves. Especially as long as the Chiefs continue to put him in a position to succeed with Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes.

Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on from the sideline during the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on January 05, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.

“I don’t know what I’m going to feel like in March and in April next year when I make that decision or I try to figure out what’s next for me. But I know that I got one on the contract and I got a hell of a team and a lot of talent. I’m pumped for it,” Kelce added.

Super Bowl LIX loss played a role in Kelce’s return

Unsuprisingly, a key factor in making Kelce come back for a 13th NFL season was the Chiefs’ 40-22 loss to Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. Even though he may have still postponed retirement after a win, Kelce admitted that the lopsided result lit a fire in him.

“It might have made me think about it a little bit more,” Kelce added. “I think I just had a sour taste in my mouth immediately and I just can’t, this can’t be the last game.”