Charissa Thompson attends the Amazon MGM Studios and Prime Video Upfront at Pier 36 on May 14, 2024 in New York City.; Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts as he signals prior to the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada
Charissa Thompson reacts to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce's return to the NFL for a 14th season.
Charissa Thompson says the NFL is “better” with Travis Kelce on the field and praises his decision to return
Kelce previously hinted at uncertainty about continuing his career but decided to play another season with the Chiefs
“Was I surprised by it? No. I'm hopeful," Thompson tells PEOPLE about Kelce's return
Charissa Thompson says the NFL is simply “better” with Travis Kelce on the field, praising the Kansas City Chiefs star after his decision to return for another season.
Talking to PEOPLE about Kelce’s decision during Amazon Upfronts on Monday, May 11, Thompson said she never doubted the Chiefs tight end would return and admitted she’s thrilled fans will get another season watching him play.
“Was I surprised by it? No. I'm hopeful. I mean, the NFL is better when Travis is on the field,” the Fox sportscaster tells PEOPLE.
“I mean, obviously, as a person, as a player, everything he's done, I'm excited for him to have another year and make that decision with his friends, his family, and, of course, his fiancée,” Thompson continues, referring to Taylor Swift.
“And just being able to cover Travis, for now, the better part of almost two decades, it's been exciting and I just love having him on the field and being able to watch him play and leave on his own terms,” Thompson, 44, says.
Uncertainty surrounded Kelce’s career in January after he said he’d return to the league under certain circumstances.
At the time he said he still has “a lot of love for the game,” but admitted the decision is “a tough thing to navigate.”
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“At the same time, if my body can heal up and rest up and I can feel confident that I can go out there and give it another 18, 20, 21-week run, I think, I would do it in a heartbeat," he told his brother Jason Kelce during a January episode of his New Heights podcast.
The three-time Super Bowl winner’s later agreed to a 14th NFL season with the Chiefs, securing a one-year, $12 million contract worth up to $15 million in bonuses.