After a long offseason full of speculation and headlines—some about football, some about Taylor Swift—Travis Kelce is officially back on the field.
The Kansas City Chiefs kicked off training camp this week, and their veteran tight end was right there, helmet on and ready to go.
Retirement Talk Fades as Kelce Commits to Another Season
There was a moment earlier this year when fans wondered if Kelce might walk away from the game.
After the Chiefs’ painful Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the 35-year-old openly flirted with the idea of retirement.
But those doubts didn’t last long.
Kelce eventually confirmed he’ll be sticking around for at least one more NFL season, chasing a fourth Super Bowl ring with Kansas City.
Chiefs Set Up Camp in Missouri to Prep for 2025 Season
The full squad, including Kelce, quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and head coach Andy Reid, have now reported to training camp.
For the next few weeks, they’ll be based at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph—roughly an hour north of Arrowhead Stadium.
From now until August 13, players will live in campus dorms, with no visits from partners or families.
For Kelce, that means a few weeks apart from girlfriend Taylor Swift.
Coach Reid Brings the Intensity to Camp Life
Andy Reid is known for running one of the toughest training camps in the league—and he’s not changing that anytime soon.
But according to Reid, it’s all about building a solid foundation.
“It’s important the guys come in with the right frame of mind,” he said. “They know that.
The veterans pass the word to the young guys—be ready. That helps us in the long run.”
Despite the grind, Reid had high praise for the training camp setup, saying: “We love this place.
They roll out the red carpet and take care of us like no other.”
What’s on the Line for Kelce and Kansas City?
Kelce is entering his 13th NFL season and still has a year left on his $34.25 million contract.
While he hasn’t ruled out playing beyond 2025, this season already comes with major stakes.
Last year, the Chiefs were chasing history with hopes of a Super Bowl three-peat.
But things came crashing down when they lost 40-22 to the Eagles in New Orleans.
That loss left a bitter taste for the entire team—and especially for Kelce.
Chiefs Start the Season in Brazil Against Chargers
Looking ahead, Kansas City won’t just be sticking to familiar territory.
They’ll actually kick off the NFL season in Brazil, taking on the Los Angeles Chargers in São Paulo.
It’s a bold and global way to start their bounce-back campaign.
Kelce’s Dad Always Knew He’d Return
In a recent chat with the Daily Mail, Kelce’s dad, Ed Kelce, revealed he never believed Travis would hang up his cleats just yet.
“There was never any doubt in my mind,” Ed said. “Although I kept my mouth shut.”
He also added that Travis didn’t seek his advice on the decision—and that was fine by him.
“He wasn’t ready to quit,” Ed explained. “It was a sour taste. That sucked.
If you were a Chiefs player or a Chiefs fan, that Super Bowl was the worst.”