Kelce told Chiefs 'I'm not going out like this' after Kansas City's 2025 season

The speculation was endless. Would legendary Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, a slam-dunk future Hall of Famer, retire after a difficult 2025 season?

Speaking to SiriusXM NFL Radio on Wednesday, Chiefs GM Brett Veach revealed that any doubt he had about Kelce's future was gone within 24 hours of the final game of the season.

What Kelce told Veach after the season

"When you're going through the season that we had, certainly like mid-November, early December, there was probably some question in my mind," Veach said.

"We played in Vegas last game of the season. We came back here that Monday, we had player exit interviews, and Travis popped into the office.

"We talked about a lot of stuff on the coaching staff, on the roster staff.

"But he basically said, 'I'm not going out like this. I'm gonna take a few weeks off here, but let's get in touch and let's plan on me being here,'" Veach added.

Despite turning 37 in October, Kelce officially agreed to a new contract in early March.

Kelce's bond with Mahomes

Veach was clear that the broader speculation in the media was never really reflected inside the building.

"Even though the media kind of went through will he return or won't he return, I think internally we knew he was coming back right away," he said. "He's such a competitor."

"Him and Pat have almost a brother-like relationship. It's not even a teammate relationship," he added. "I think there's an element of Travis wanting to see Pat through this rehab process."

Bryan M. Bennett / Stringer

Kelce may not have to wait long for his friend to return to the field. Earlier this week, Veach said Mahomes is " way ahead of schedule."

How Kelce's decision shaped the Chiefs' offseason

Knowing Kelce was coming back early had a knock-on effect on how Kansas City approached free agency.

"We attacked our free agency plan, we already kind of put away and allocated for Travis," Veach said. "It helped free us up to be more decisive and carry through with our plan."

"Right after the last game, 24 hours later after the last game of the season, I knew 100 per cent that he'd be back," he added.

The Chiefs didn't add a tight end in the draft, which tells its own story. Kelce remains the pivot point of Kansas City's offence for at least one more season.

Whether 2026 is his last, Veach wouldn't say. For now, he's back, and that's enough.