For the first time since 2022, Travis Kelce found himself at the Super Bowl not as a contender, but as a spectator. The Kansas City Chiefs star has his sights set on making it to the field in Los Angeles next year, aiming for yet another shot at football glory.
While Kelce, now 36, has yet to officially declare whether he’ll continue playing next season, those close to him suggest that an announcement is on the horizon. After a lively weekend of celebrations with fellow NFL players and celebrities, there’s a strong belief that he will soon confirm his return to the game.
The weekend saw the three-time Super Bowl champion hosting two vibrant parties in San Francisco, mingling with friends from the NFL without his fiancée, Taylor Swift, by his side. Those who spent time with him during these festivities came away with the impression that Kelce isn’t quite ready to hang up his cleats.
One insider shared with the Daily Mail, “Travis wasn’t on a farewell tour this weekend. He was soaking up the party scene with friends and NFL colleagues. It was his chance to relax and enjoy a guys’ weekend, while Taylor pursued her own interests.”
The source added, “When asked about his NFL plans, Travis revealed he’s made a decision about his future, and everyone is convinced that he’s gearing up for a return to the field.”
‘He was telling friends that asked that he has made a decision about his NFL future and everyone believes 100% that he is coming back.’
Despite a wild week in San Francisco, Travis Kelce still prefers playing over partying
The Chiefs star is expected to return to Kansas City for one more season in the NFL
One of his most trusted Chiefs teammates, Creed Humphrey, insisted he had not spoken to Kelce about his decision, instead wanting him to have the space to decide what suits him best. But he made his own view very clear.
‘I haven’t talked to him about it but obviously we would all love to have him back,’ Humphrey told Daily Mail.
Despite an impressive individual campaign for Kelce, the Chiefs failed to get to the playoffs during a season where quarterback Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL, potentially putting him at risk of missing the start of the next campaign.
But Humphrey said that, hopefully lining up alongside Kelce, the team will right the wrongs of last season in 2026.
‘Everybody is ready to get back to work and show who we are next year,’ Humphrey said.
‘Patrick is doing good, he’s attacking rehab the right way. I know him, and of course he’s attacking it. It’s definitely different (not being here to play) but it’s awesome to be a part of this (Super Bowl week) in terms of seeing all these other great players.’
The source close to Kelce backed that up, saying that the tight end wants another season linking up with his close friend Mahomes once he is healthy again.
‘Being around the Super Bowl and everyone got him all jazzed up to be in the league still, and he wants to return to the game,’ the source said. ‘Play one more time with Patrick and get the band back together.
Kelce was brought out onto the field shortly before the beginning of the Super Bowl
Next year, he hopes to be there in Kansas City Chiefs uniform and playing in the game
‘He will make things official in about a month but everyone that was around him was talking about how he was coming back. It is just something that everyone is feeling and the vibe he gave off during the entire weekend.’
At Chiefs HQ in Kansas City, the team led by head coach Andy Reid have done everything to entice Kelce into returning.
Reid has even brought in Eric Bienemy, a coach Kelce has always spoken highly of, to work again as Chiefs’ offensive coordinator while team owner Clark Hunt has echoed Humphrey’s comments about wanting Kelce to play on.
Kelce was even brought out onto the field on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium as a finalist for the Walter Payton award, which praises NFL players for their charity work. But it was as close as he got to the action.
Next year, at LA’s stunning SoFi Stadium, he wants to be on the field and end his glorious career in the best way imaginable.
