Travis Kelce has confirmed he will return for another NFL season with the Kansas City Chiefs, revealing the decision required minimal deliberation despite his advancing years - while also heartbreakingly saying he feels like he 'failed' his team during February's Super bowl.
The 35-year-old tight end told reporters on Wednesday that continuing his career "wasn't a very tough decision for me", acknowledging his age whilst maintaining he has "a lot that I can prove in this league".
Speaking at the team's practice facility in Kansas City, Kelce expressed determination to bounce back from February's crushing 40-22 Super Bowl defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles.
"I really didn't feel like it was my last game," Kelce stated. "Just felt like I've got a lot more to prove."
Travis Kelce has decided to play one more season
PAThe defeat has clearly left its mark on the veteran player, who admitted to feeling personal responsibility for the championship loss.
"Last year I think I failed especially in that last game, in being a leader and being the one that can step up and make plays," Kelce confessed.
The tight end revealed he has set "the bar even higher for myself this year than I have in the past", declaring that "last year wasn't a success for me".
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Despite allowing emotions to settle before making his decision, Kelce said he "still felt like I had that fire in my chest" to pursue another championship.
The Chiefs star made clear that championship glory remains his sole focus, dismissing any notion of retirement.
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Travis Kelce is still passionate after all his playing years
PA"I'm only interested in Super Bowl rings," Kelce declared.
"I love coming into work every single day," he told reporters, praising his team-mates and the Chiefs' support staff".
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Kelce acknowledged taking time to ensure his choice wasn't driven by immediate post-season emotions, explaining "you want to let the emotions die down" before making career-defining decisions.
Away from the gridiron, Kelce's girlfriend Taylor Swift is reportedly delighted about his decision to continue playing.
A source close to the couple told People that the 35-year-old pop star is "excited about Kelce's decision to play another NFL season".
Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift have been together since 2023PAThe insider explained this enthusiasm stems "not just because she loves supporting Travis, but because for the first full season since they started dating, she's not juggling a packed tour schedule".
"This fall will be completely different. It's the first season where she's not constantly flying back and forth or working around an entire touring calendar," the source revealed.
The couple have been spotted together frequently during Kelce's off-season, including at last Thursday's Stanley Cup Final.
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