Travis Kelce's future with the Kansas City Chiefs was a major talking point throughout the offseason. After finishing his 13th year in the league in the past campaign, there were rumors that he could choose to retire.
After all, Kelce has nothing left to prove. He's a three-time Super Bowl champion and is widely considered to be one of the greatest tight ends of all time. In his career, the 36-year-old NFL veteran has tallied 1,080 receptions for 13,002 yards and 82 touchdowns.
Kelce is also an 11-time Pro Bowler and a four-time member of the All-Pro First Team. Furthermore, he's part of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team, further highlighting his status as one of the greats of the game.
Considering that the Chiefs also had a down season — finishing with a 6-11 record and missing the playoffs for the first time in the Patrick Mahomes era — it wouldn't have been a surprise if Kelce had decided to walk away.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Fortunately for the Chiefs, Kelce is reportedly planning to return for his 14th year in the NFL, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
"Back for more: #Chiefs future Hall of Fame TE Travis Kelce is expected to return to Kansas City for a 14th season, a message that’s been delivered to teams who will want him," Rapoport stated. "At 36, Kelce’s play was at its usual level, landing him in the Pro Bowl. He’s loyal to KC & will stay."
The news was naturally met with plenty of excitement. Aside from the Chiefs faithful, Kelce's teammates couldn't contain their delight aeithers well.
For one, Kansas City defensive tackle Chris Jones quickly reacted to the news.
"We're so back," Jones wrote, along with emojis of people hugging and a crown.
Kelce and Jones have been playing together for 10 years now, with the former having been drafted in 2013 and the latter in 2016. They have certainly developed a strong friendship over the past decade, with Jones himself previously saying he wants to retire at the same time as Kelce.
Jones has also been supportive of Kelce and has consistently expressed his belief that he won't retire just yet. When asked about the possibility of Kelce retiring in January, Jones said he's "not buying it."
The Pro Bowl DT also recently defended Kelce after NFL analyst Mike Tannenbaum suggested that the Chiefs should move on from him.
Aside from Jones, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes also celebrated the reported return of Kelce with a post on Instagram.
