Travis Kelce has committed to another campaign with the Kansas City Chiefs.
The veteran tight end agreed to a one-year contract valued at up to £11.2million for what will be his 14th season in the NFL.
Kelce revealed on The Pat McAfee Show that walking away from the sport was never seriously on the cards, adding his deliberations over retirement were "short and brief".
He said: "The Chiefs knew where I was the entire time on it."
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The 36-year-old added: "I'm still in love with this game. I still love going to work, putting on the pads, grinding it out, and just playing the game."
Kelce has been a cornerstone of Kansas City's dynasty, collecting three championship rings across five Super Bowl appearances.
The Cincinnati product, selected in the third round of the 2013 draft, ranks third among all tight ends in NFL history with 13,002 receiving yards.
His individual accolades include 11 Pro Bowl selections and four first-team All-Pro honours.
Travis Kelce has committed to another campaign with the Kansas City Chiefs
|GETTY
Despite the Chiefs enduring a disappointing 6-11 campaign last season, Kelce remained their most reliable offensive weapon, leading the team in targets, catches, yards and touchdowns.
He cited the opportunity to continue working alongside quarterback Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid as key factors in his decision.
The Chiefs have bolstered their backfield by securing Kenneth Walker III, the standout performer from last season's championship game, on a three-year agreement reportedly worth up to £33.5m.
Walker earned Super Bowl MVP honours after a dominant postseason run, becoming the first running back to claim the award since 1998.
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Travis Kelce remained the Chiefs' most reliable offensive weapon
| GETTYThe 25-year-old topped the league in carries, rushing yards and rushing touchdowns during the playoffs, accumulating 313 yards on 65 attempts with four scores.
He becomes the first Super Bowl MVP to immediately join a different franchise since 2003, having spent his first four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks.
Kansas City are determined to recover from a difficult season that saw them miss the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
The franchise's 6-11 record was its worst during Kelce's time with the organisation.
The Chiefs have bolstered their backfield by securing Kenneth Walker III
|GETTY
Questions remain over Mahomes' availability for the start of the new season.
The quarterback continues his rehabilitation from ACL and LCL tears sustained in mid-December.
The return of offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy provides additional optimism for the Chiefs' prospects of returning to contention.
Kelce specifically mentioned him as a factor in his decision to stay.
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