Travis Kelce comes into the 2025/26 season having struggled through one of the most challenging seasons of his career, capped by a Super Bowl defeat and offseason retirement speculation. But the Kansas City Chiefs' star has a key message: He's not going quietly.
The 35-year-old is in the final year of his contract at the Arrowhead Stadium and it's tipped he will bow out of the sport afterwards with three championship rings in his locker and a reputation as one of the best tight ends to ever do it.
However, he has one last statement to make as he looks to shrug off his 2024/25 campaign, which saw a notable dip in production, marking career lows in both receiving yards and touchdowns and culminated in the crushing 40-22 February 9 defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles.
But following his return to training last weekend, Kelce made his intentions clear on the New Heights podcast, which he co-hosts with his brother, in a special episode featuring Shaquille O'Neal.
"Wait 'til you see this year, baby," Kelce said to Jason and the ex-Los Angeles Laker. "I'm coming back with a little bit of Shaq.
"F**ing pssed off [energy] and ready to rock and roll, man."
Motivation not an issue for Travis Kelce
Kelce's performance in the Super Bowl, totalling just four catches for just 39 yards, sparked criticism, including from Shaquille O'Neal himself who was left stunned that he wasn't given a more focal role.
"How come [head coach Andy Reid] didn't use you a lot at the Super Bowl?" Shaq asked Travis. "I know you were f***ing pissed."
However, Travis diplomatically replied by pointing out they were trying to get all of their offense involved in a bid to beat the Eagles defensive line - which held rock solid at the Caesars Superdome until the game was won.
All the same, his recent comments suggest a burning desire to not only return but dominate and this energy has even been felt by the Chiefs' quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, who knows his tight end like the back of his own hand.
"The way he's talking about football, he's trying to be even better than he was last year," Mahomes said to reporters. "He doesn't seem like a guy who, if it's his last ride, is tired of the job.
"He's in there and he's working. His body feels better than even last year. He's motivated."
Whether or not 2025 is Kelce's final NFL season remains uncertain. What is certain, however, is that he's not coasting toward the end as he concludes his $34.2m deal at the Arrowhead Stadium.
He opens his season in Brazil against the Los Angeles Chargers in an all-AFC West clash on September 5, just hours after the NFL Kick Off Game is hosted by the Eagles.
