Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce has officially put retirement talk to rest, confirming his return to the field for the 2025 NFL season. In the wake of the Chiefs’ devastating Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Kelce stepped away to consider his future and explore his possibilities outside of football. But whereas most thought his choice would be swayed by Taylor Swift or Patrick Mahomes, it was really teammate Rashee Rice who helped persuade him to remain.
Rashee Rice’s influence on Travis Kelce’s retirement decision
At 35 years old, Kelce remains one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, but after another grueling season, speculation about his retirement began swirling. Following the Super Bowl loss on February 9, 2025, he sought advice from Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, who acknowledged Kelce’s potential outside of football.
“He’s gonna make a killing there,” Reid said, referencing the lucrative opportunities awaiting Kelce in media and entertainment once he decides to step away from the game. Despite Reid’s words of encouragement, it was Rice’s passionate plea that ultimately influenced Kelce’s decision.
In a candid interview with Revolt, Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice revealed just how much he pushed Kelce to reconsider retirement. “I ain’t gonna lie to y’all. I’m 95 percent of the reason he ain’t retiring. I ain’t gonna lie to y’all,” Rice said.
Rice explained that he couldn’t let Kelce end his career on a Super Bowl loss. “Told him he can’t go out like that. I’m gonna make sure we get that next year. He was fine hanging it up. I’m pretty sure he was gonna hang it up. And I’m like, bro, we can’t go out like that,” he continued.
Rice took matters into his own hands, texting Kelce directly with a promise to help the team return to glory. “I’m like, ‘bro, we got to go win that. I’m going to make sure we win that.’ That’s what I told him. I texted him. He basically was like, ‘bro, I really appreciate that.’ He’s like, ‘you really got me thinking about it. I really appreciate you reaching out to me.’ And then I seen it pop up on the media. I said, all right now.”
Also Read: Kayla Nicole’s cryptic post has fans wondering—Is she still processing her past with Travis Kelce?
As Kelce prepares for another season, he’s starting anew—literally. His longtime barber, Vince Garcia, posted Kelce’s new look on Instagram recently, showcasing a trimmed-down beard while still sporting his classic longer hairdo. Having made his choice and with a new season looming, Kelce is ready to pursue another championship with the Chiefs and show the world that he’s not finished yet
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