KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - When the Chiefs fell to the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, many wondered if it was the last time Travis Kelce would don a Chiefs uniform.
It took less than three weeks for the star tight end to announce he would return for another season — year 13.
Despite the Chiefs standing at a middling 5-5 record, Kelce is on pace for one of the better seasons of his career. The 36-year-old is already less than 200 receiving yards this season (631) from last year’s total (823), has hauled in more touchdown catches (4) than a season ago (3) and his yards per reception (12.6) is at his highest rate since 2020 (13.5).
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) runs with the ball as New York Giants inside...
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) runs with the ball as New York Giants inside linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) defends during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)(Adam Hunger | AP)
But when Kelce re-upped with Kansas City in the offseason, it was on a one-year, $17.125 million deal.
Which begs the next question: will he return for Season No. 14? Don’t count on any news in the near future.
On Friday afternoon, Kelce addressed his future — sort of.
“Seeing my brother (Jason) go through it, seeing how the league works, the season kind of restarts in April,” Kelce said. “I want to give the Chiefs a good opportunity, whether I come back or not, vice versa, whether they want me back or not. It’s one of those things where I’d like to make that decision before they have to get draft picks and free agency opens.
“So it gives [the Chiefs] an opportunity to go out there and build the roster appropriately. All that will be at the end of the season. I won’t be thinking about it until then,” Kelce said.
On Sunday, Kelce caught a 21-yard TD pass from Patrick Mahomes for his franchise-record 84th touchdown.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) celebrate a touchdown with Kansas City...
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) celebrate a touchdown with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) celebrates a touchdown against the Denver Broncos during an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 16, 2025 in Denver. (AP Photo/Bart Young)(Bart Young | AP)
When asked if he had a chance to reflect on his milestone, Kelce simply replied, “No, trying to win a football game this week.”
The Chiefs (5-5) host the Indianapolis Colts (8-2) on Sunday. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m., and it will be televised on KCTV5.
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