Chiefs GM makes major Travis Kelce revelation after sharing NFL star’s retirement decision

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce labored through Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles amid rumors of his possible retirement, as revealed by Chiefs GM Brett Veach

The question of Travis Kelce’s possible retirement has loomed over the Kansas City Chiefs all offseason following his poor performance in Super Bowl LIX.

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach revealed at the NFL’s scouting combine that the star tight end was struggling with a “pretty big illness” ahead of the team’s 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Veach did concede that “the way the Eagles played, it wouldn’t have made a difference.”

Still, the Kansas City GM was adamant Kelce would return in 2025. “I think that Travis is excited to come back and he finds a way to stay in shape and produce at a level only he can,” Veach revealed to NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero.

Kelce, usually a reliable postseason performer, finished the Super Bowl with just four catches for 39 yards on six targets.

Veach seemed confident when asked what version of Kelce to expect in 2025. “He’s accomplished everything that there is in this game,” the longtime general manager answered.

“He has that unique ability not just to make those around him better, but to find that extra something when you get late into the season…everyone remembers last season and that big postseason he had.”

Kelce is arguably the greatest postseason performer in NFL history ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
The 35-year-old Kelce had arguably the worst season of his professional career, catching 67 passes for 823 yards and three scores. He was still named the 10th Pro Bowl of his career.

Kelce holds the record for the most receptions and the most receiving touchdowns by a tight end in NFL playoff history. He’s a three-time Super Bowl champion.

The future Hall of Famer has teased the possibility of retirement on his ‘New Heights’ podcast. “I know everybody wants to know whether I’m playing next year, and right now, I’m just kicking everything down the road,” he said.

“I’m kicking every can I can down the road. I’m not making any crazy decisions,” Kelce continued. “I’ve been fortunate over the past five, six years — I’ve played more football than anybody.

“It’s because of the people that are in that building. The fact that we keep going to these AFC championships and these Super Bowls, that means I’m playing an extra three games more than everybody else in the entire league.

“That’s a lot of wear and tear on your body, and it’s a lot of time spent in the building, focusing on your craft, focusing on the task at hand and every challenge that you set up for yourself.”