Travis Kelce Says 2025 Super Bowl Loss Was ‘Biggest Factor’ in His Decision Not to Retire

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Travis Kelce is providing fans with a deeper understanding of his choice to continue playing for another season with the Kansas City Chiefs.

In the episode of “New Heights” aired on Wednesday, March 5, which he cohosts with his brother Jason Kelce, 35-year-old Travis discussed why he feels it’s not yet time to retire.

“The main factor is that I absolutely love playing football,” he shared. “I enjoy the game, and I believe I can still perform at a high standard. In fact, I think I could possibly do even better than I did last season, as I don’t consider that to be my finest performance. I feel like I let my teammates down more often than I uplifted them, especially when considering my past performances. I simply want to give it a solid effort.”

Travis mentioned that he feels “a bad taste in my mouth” following last season, adding, “I cherish so many people in Kansas City … it has become my home. I’m not ready to walk away from that life just yet. I’ve dedicated a lot of hard work and focus to being the best for Kansas City, and last year's conclusion was not favorable for us.”

“I believe it’s my duty to fulfill the contract I signed, to give everything I've got to Kansas City and the Chiefs organization, and that’s precisely what I intend to do,” he stated.

Jason, 37, humorously suggested that his own retirement in 2024 influenced Travis’s decision. He then requested further details about how Travis arrived at this decision.

“It’s similar to how I approach all my choices; it’s driven by instinct. I’m not one to weigh the pros and cons meticulously. I rely on my gut feeling. And I truly love this game,” Travis remarked. “Additionally, I enjoy being in the facility with my teammates.”

Coach Andy Reid also played a significant role in his decision. “Coach Reid has had a profound impact on my life, not only in the realm of football. I don’t want to stop working with him or cease learning from him. I aim to be a part of the reason why he achieves success,” Travis elaborated. “I want him to experience extraordinary success because of his importance in my life, and the same goes for Pat [Mahomes]. ... I wish to continue pursuing those dreams.”

Rumors circulated regarding Travis’ future in the NFL last month following the Chiefs’ loss in Super Bowl LIX to the Philadelphia Eagles. This setback marked an unsatisfactory season for Travis, who had previously stated that he did not concern himself with comments about his performance statistics. During the 2025 Super Bowl held in New Orleans, Travis recorded merely four receptions for 39 yards, which stands as his least impressive Super Bowl showing to this point.

In a February episode of “New Heights,” Travis openly discussed his thoughts after the Super Bowl, expressing that he was not yet prepared to make “any wild decisions.” He mentioned on Wednesday that the disappointment of losing in the Super Bowl “was likely the biggest reason” behind his decision to return.

“I never really questioned it; it was always on my mind," he stated. “Even during the hard times last year with my body or after the Super Bowl when I was at a real low, there’s this drive that tells you, you can do this and you want to do this. As soon as I felt that, I made my move. … I can’t predict if this will be my final year because I still cherish so much of what I do for Kansas City and the Chiefs organization.”

Travis’ announcement was celebrated with a post on Instagram by the Chiefs, captioned, “YEAR 13.” The official “New Heights” account added in the comments, “LETS GOOOO.”

Before the news of Travis’ return broke, a source told Us Weekly that he had the backing of his girlfriend, Taylor Swift, no matter what he decided. Swift, 35, made her debut at a Chiefs game in September 2023 and has since become a regular at Arrowhead Stadium, showing support for her relationship with the tight end. She was present at the 2024 Super Bowl, cheering for Travis and the Chiefs as they triumphed over the San Francisco 49ers, and made her second Super Bowl appearance in February.

“Taylor and Travis complement each other wonderfully,” a different insider shared last month. “Their love is still very strong, and their relationship continues to improve.”