Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has been one of the most dominant players in the NFL over the past decade. A future Hall of Famer, Kelce has redefined the position with his elite route-running, reliable hands, and ability to make clutch plays in big moments. Yet, despite all his success—including three Super Bowl rings—Kelce recently admitted that the 2023 season left him feeling unfulfilled.
In an exclusive, wide-ranging interview, Kelce opened up about his decision to return to the Chiefs for the 2024 season rather than retire, his frustrations with last year’s performance, and his burning desire to prove he’s still the best tight end in football.
“Last Year Wasn’t a Success for Me”
At first glance, the 2023 season was another triumphant year for Kelce and the Chiefs. They won their second consecutive Super Bowl, defeating the San Francisco 49ers in overtime in Las Vegas. Kelce himself had a strong playoff run, including a 93-yard performance in the AFC Championship against Baltimore and a crucial 9-catch, 93-yard outing in the Super Bowl.
But for Kelce, the regular season was a different story.
“People look at the rings and think everything was perfect, but last year wasn’t a success for me,” Kelce admitted. “I know what my standard is, and I didn’t meet it.”
Kelce, who turned 34 in October, saw his production dip slightly in 2023. He finished with 93 catches for 984 yards—his first sub-1,000-yard season since 2015 (excluding the 2020 season, where he played only 15 games but still surpassed 1,000 yards). He also recorded just five touchdowns, his lowest total since 2019.
“I had stretches where I wasn’t dominant,” Kelce said. “There were games where I felt like I left plays on the field. That’s not me. That’s not what I expect from myself.”
Part of the decline could be attributed to age, injuries, and defenses keying in on him even more after the Chiefs’ receiving corps struggled. But Kelce refused to make excuses.
“I don’t care if defenses double me, if I’m banged up, or if the ball isn’t coming my way as much—my job is to produce, and I didn’t do that consistently enough.”
The Retirement Question
Given his age, his legendary resume, and his growing off-field ventures (including his wildly popular podcast New Heights with brother Jason Kelce), many speculated that Kelce might consider retirement after the 2023 season.
“I’d be lying if I said it didn’t cross my mind,” Kelce said. “When you get to this point in your career, you start thinking about life after football. I’ve got a lot of things I’m passionate about outside the game.”
But after taking some time to reflect, Kelce realized he wasn’t ready to walk away.
“The fire is still there,” he said. “I love this team, I love competing, and I know I’ve got more to give. I don’t want to leave the game feeling like I didn’t give everything I had.”
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes both played a role in convincing Kelce to return.
“Pat and Coach Reid know me better than anyone,” Kelce said. “They know when I’m frustrated, and they also know when I need a little push. They reminded me that I’m still a difference-maker, and that this team has more history to make.”
Mahomes, in particular, was vocal about wanting Kelce back.
“Travis is the heart and soul of this offense,” Mahomes said in a separate interview. “I told him, ‘We’re not done yet.’ He’s still the best tight end in the league, and I know he’s going to come back even stronger.”
The Drive to Prove Himself Again
Kelce has never been one to rest on his laurels. Even with three Super Bowl rings, nine Pro Bowls, and four First-Team All-Pro selections, he remains as motivated as ever.
“I’ve always played with a chip on my shoulder,” Kelce said. “People have doubted me my whole career—said I wasn’t fast enough, wasn’t big enough, wouldn’t last this long. That stuff fuels me.”
This offseason, Kelce has been working harder than ever. He’s focused on refining his route-running, improving his explosiveness, and ensuring his body can withstand another grueling NFL season.
“I’m not trying to just hang on,” he said. “I want to be the best version of myself. If I’m out there, I’m going to dominate.”
The Chiefs’ front office has also made moves to help him. The team added speedy wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown in free agency and drafted Texas wideout Xavier Worthy in the first round. Both additions should take some defensive attention away from Kelce.
“Having more weapons around me is huge,” Kelce said. “It’s not just about me—it’s about making this offense unstoppable.”
Chasing History
Kelce is already one of the greatest tight ends of all time, but he’s still chasing records. He’s second all-time in receiving yards by a tight end (behind only Tony Gonzalez) and could surpass Gonzalez’s mark (15,127 yards) in the next two seasons if he stays healthy.
He’s also just 11 touchdowns away from passing Antonio Gates (116) for the second-most touchdowns by a tight end in NFL history (Rob Gronkowski holds the record with 92, but Kelce is closing in).
Beyond individual accolades, Kelce is hungry for more team success. The Chiefs are aiming to become the first team in NFL history to win three straight Super Bowls.
“That’s the goal,” Kelce said. “We’ve got a chance to do something legendary. I want to be a part of that.”
The Legacy Factor
When Kelce does eventually retire, he’ll be remembered as one of the most impactful tight ends ever. But for now, he’s focused on adding to that legacy.
“I don’t want to be remembered as a guy who hung around too long,” he said. “I want to go out on my terms, playing at a high level. And right now, I know I’ve still got it.”
Chiefs fans—and football fans in general—should be thrilled that Kelce is returning. Because if there’s one thing Travis Kelce has proven throughout his career, it’s that when he feels like he has something to prove, he’s at his most dangerous.
“Last year left a bad taste in my mouth,” Kelce said. “This year, I’m coming back with everything I’ve got.”
And if history is any indication, the rest of the NFL should be on notice.
