Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes swiftly rushed to congratulate Travis Kelce over the phone after the tight end returned to Kansas City on a new three-year contract
19:00 ET, 23 Mar 2026
Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce celebrate on the field
View 2 Images
Patrick Mahomes congratulated Travis Kelce on his new three-year contract with the Chiefs(Image: Getty Images)
Travis Kelce received an unexpected surprise from Patrick Mahomes moments after putting pen to paper on his new contract with the Kansas City Chiefs.
On Monday, Kelce officially put any and all retirement rumors to bed upon signing a three-year, $54.735 million contract, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The lucrative deal boasts a $18.245 million AAV and can be worth up to $57.735 million, with the first year featuring a $12 million base and $3 million in incentives.
Article continues below
Before the ink could even dry on his new contract, Kelce was informed that someone wanted to virtually congratulate him. While dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s inside the Chiefs’ facility, a staff member handed the star tight end a phone that Mahomes called into.
Article continues below
READ MORE: Florida coach had expletive-filled reaction before March Madness title defense shattered by IowaREAD MORE: Kim Mulkey explodes at March Madness refs as LSU coach orders them around
“Look who it is! Doggoooone,” Mahomes exclaimed. A wide smile promptly crept across the face of Kelce, who replied: “Patricio! Patricio! Let’s go baby! Home sweet home, you know what I’m saying?”
Mahomes swiftly added, “Home sweet home, look at the beard too man. This man’s ready to go. Alright bro, I just wanted to call and say congrats. I know you got stuff to do.” Kelce expressed appreciation for the call, concluding: “You already know, dawg. Hope the rehab is going good, baby.”
Though speculation reached a fever pitch as to whether Kelce would hang up the cleats this offseason, the 36-year-old proved that he still has plenty left in the tank last season — during which the Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time in a decade.
Over 17 games in 2025, Kelce reeled in 76 receptions for 851 yards and five touchdowns en route to being named to his 11th consecutive Pro Bowl.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
Once the dust had finally settled on Kansas City’s disappointing campaign, Kelce heeded the advice of his brother, Jason, prior to making a decision on his NFL future. "I was taking Jason Kelce's advice. I was taking the advice to take a step back," he said on his ‘New Heights’ podcast.
"You gotta let the emotions clear and you gotta have a clear head. I've made decisions based off of emotions and they haven't always played out the right way."
According to Kelce, the way in which last season ended only further motivated him to return. "Of course I want to come back," he asserted.
"Of course I don't want to end my career not making the playoffs and not having one of the best years. It still felt like I was hungry enough to get back at it.
Travis Kelce expressed his appreciation after receiving a phone call from Patrick Mahomes
View 2 Images
Travis Kelce expressed his appreciation after receiving a phone call from Patrick Mahomes(Image: Kansas City Chiefs)
"I f------ hated the way that s--t ended last year. I wanna make it right. I wanna get another chance at another f------ Super Bowl."
Kelce and the Chiefs will need to overcome no shortage of obstacles in their pursuit of another ring, as it remains to be seen what version of Mahomes they will get in 2026.
Article continues below
The signal-caller tore his ACL in Week 15 and underwent surgery on Dec. 15 of last year, forcing him to be sidelined for around 9-12 months.