Travis Kelce is returning to the Kansas City Chiefs for another NFL season, and the veteran tight end says the motivation behind the decision includes inspiration from Taylor Swift.
Kelce recently addressed his comeback during an interview on “The Pat McAfee Show,” where he discussed how Swift’s work ethic influenced his thinking as he weighed whether to continue playing. The decision comes as Kelce prepares for his 14th NFL season after agreeing to a new one-year contract with Kansas City.
Travis Kelce Says Taylor Swift’s Work Ethic Inspired His Return
Kelce explained during his interview on “The Pat McAfee Show” that watching Swift continue to pursue her career has been motivating as he considers the next chapter of his own.
“We share the same love for what we do,” Kelce said.
“And we’ve had this — fortunately — we’ve had this desire since we were kids in our selective professions.”
Kelce said watching Swift remain dedicated to her work has had an impact on him.
“It’s just amazing to see her keep going to the table, keep finding new things to write about, keep finding new melodies and things like that,” he said.
“And on top of that, still seeing her have that love and joy in what she does.”
Kelce said that example helped him evaluate his own future in football.
“Yeah, of course, that’s motivating. That’s motivating for anybody to see, let alone my fiancée,” Kelce said.
“And knowing that I’m going through something where I’m trying to figure out exactly what the future holds for me.”
Kelce added that the inspiration helped him realize he still wanted to compete.
“Something like that definitely motivates me to say, ‘You know what, I’m not done either.’”
“I still got some ideas in the back of my mind. I still got some juice left to play this game.”
Kelce Explains Why Kansas City Was the Right Choice
Kelce also spoke about why returning to Kansas City felt like the best option as he continues his career.
“My best opportunity was playing for the Chiefs yet again and running this thing back with Pat Mahomes and Coach Reid,” Kelce said.
Kelce also mentioned the return of offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy as another factor in his decision.
“And got my guy Eric Bieniemy, Coach Bieniemy, back. There’s a lot of pieces in Kansas City that I just absolutely love and I can’t wait to get back in the building with them,” he said.
Kelce has spent his entire career with the Chiefs after the team selected him in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft out of the University of Cincinnati.
Since then, he has played 192 games for the franchise and helped Kansas City win three Super Bowls.
Travis Kelce Signs New Contract for 14th NFL Season
Kelce’s return comes after weeks of speculation about whether the veteran tight end might retire.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Kelce agreed to a one-year contract that guarantees $12 million and carries a maximum value of $15 million.
Kelce could have explored offers from other teams when the NFL’s free agency period began, but he ultimately decided to remain with the Chiefs.
The move keeps Kelce paired with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, one of his closest friends and longtime teammates.
The Chiefs have also made roster moves during the offseason, including signing running back Kenneth Walker, the Super Bowl MVP who recently entered free agency after helping the Seattle Seahawks defeat the New England Patriots in the championship game.
Kansas City is looking to rebound after a difficult season in which the team finished 6-11 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
The Future Hall-of-Famer Previously Addressed Retirement on ‘New Heights’
Kelce had hinted earlier this year that he might return to the field while discussing his future on the podcast “New Heights,” which he hosts with his brother Jason Kelce.
“There’s a lot of love for the game still, and I don’t think I’ll ever lose that,” Kelce said during the episode.
“It’s a tough thing to navigate but at the same time I think if my body can heal up and rest and I can feel confident that I can go out there and give it another 18-, 20-, 21-week run, I think I would do it in a heartbeat.”
Kelce said the decision ultimately came down to evaluating how his body felt after the season.
“I think right now it’s just finding that answer and see how the body feels after all this settles down,” he said.
With a new contract in place and a return to Kansas City confirmed, Kelce will now prepare for another season with the Chiefs.
I think Taylor and Travis should make a reality show I think there good manners would be a good influence on this world. They would lead by example?! Just saying.