Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) reacts on the field after losing to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Travis Kelce set the Super Bowl record for most career receptions, but now the focus is on whether he will catch any more passes.
The longtime star tight end of the Kansas City Chiefs is no sure thing to return to the club in 2025 as retirement talk has hung in the air most of this season.
Kelce’s four receptions in the Chiefs’ 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday lifted his Super Bowl total to 35, two ahead of legendary Jerry Rice. Kelce caught four passes for 39 yards against the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.
Kansas City star quarterback Patrick Mahomes hopes Kelce returns for a 12th full NFL season.
“I know he still has love for the game,” Mahomes said. “He’ll get time to spend with his family and make that decision on his own. He’ll be welcomed back here with open arms.”
The Chiefs brass reportedly isn’t confident that Kelce will return.
Kelce didn’t address his future after the stunning setback, and he was far from upbeat.
“You don’t lose bad without everything going bad,” Kelce said.
Kelce ranks second in Super Bowl history with 389 receiving yards and passed Lynn Swann and Rob Gronkowski (364 apiece) on Sunday. Rice holds the record of 589 yards.
A 10-time Pro Bowl selection, Kelce had career lows of 823 receiving yards, three touchdowns and 8.5 yards per receptions this season. He did catch 97 passes, narrowly missing his fourth 100-reception season.
Kelce’s brother, Jason, retired after last season. He was a star center for the Eagles for 13 seasons.
Travis Kelce’s level of celebrity has risen during his relationship to singer Taylor Swift. But not only did the Chiefs lose badly Sunday, Swift received many more boos than cheers when she was displayed on the Jumbotron inside the Superdome.
–Field Level Media
