In the end, it was easy for Travisquerce.
Kelse announced last week to Pat McAfee that he will return to 13th with the Chiefs, another NFL season, and expanded that decision on Wednesday with the “New Heights” podcast, co-hosting with his brother Jason.
“I think the biggest thing is that I love playing soccer games,” Kelse said. “I still feel I can play at a higher level and perhaps at a higher level than last year. I don't think it was my best outing. I think I've disappointed my guy at a much more moment than I helped them.
“Especially when you look at my track record and how I've been going for years. I want to do a good run. I have a bad taste in my mouth about the end of the year and how well I was and how responsible I was for the people around me. And I love a lot of people in Kansas City both in its facilities and in its community, and it's home to me.
“I don't want to leave that life yet. I put a lot of effort into being the best I can at KC. Last year, that didn't work for us and I feel I have a responsibility to show off the deal I first signed to give Kansas City and the Chiefs' organization everything I have.
Kelse also said he lost the Eagles Super Bowl 2025 and played a role in his decision to return home without the hassle of historic three-peats with the Chiefs.
The tight end was hedged into his future after the chief lost to Philadelphia (40-22) last month.
He said Wednesday that he's likely to always return after hitting “a record low” after a defeat.
“It's like every decision I make, it's out of touch,” Kelse said. “I'm not a big measure of pros and cons, pure gut sensation. I love this game and I love entering the building with the people there.
“Coach (Andy) Reed has had the biggest impact on my life, not just in football games, and I don't want to stop going to work with him. I don't want to stop learning from him. I don't want to stop being part of the reason he was successful. I want that guy to be the most successful in the world because of who he was in my life.
“…There are so many people in that building that I like with the guy in my heart. I want to keep those dreams alive and work with them. I've never guessed it again. There's something in the motivational factor that makes you want to do this last year, when it got difficult with the body, or even after the Super Bowl, even when you're at the lowest of all time. I pulled the trigger as soon as I found out I had that feeling.”
Future Hall of Famer has played 12 seasons in the NFL and will go down as one of the tight ends to catch a great pass in the history of the sport.
Kelse, 35, has become one of the sport's biggest celebrity names thanks to her relationship with pop star Taylor Swift.
35-year-old Kelse and Swift also began dating in the summer of 2023. Since then, it has been revealed that Kelse has planned a kind of entertainment career after his retirement.
But it's not at least another season. Kelce's contract expires after the 2025 campaign.
Kelce is a 10-time Pro Bowler and three-time Super Bowl champion with 1,004 career receptions for 12,151 yards and 77 touchdowns.
