It's been a busy Wednesday for the Kansas City Chiefs, who just pulled off a major trade in sending All-Pro guard Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears. The 2025 team is beginning to take shape, though that deal adds more questions than answers about what the final roster will look like.
One thing fans won't have to worry about is superstar tight end Travis Kelce's status, who already confirmed that he'll be back for "at least" one more season. He hadn't publicly addressed the news until now, making a surprise admission in the process.
In the latest episode of his New Heights podcast with his brother, Jason, Travis admitted that he felt he let his teammates down in the biggest game of their lives.
Trav breaks down everything that went into his decision to return for Year 13
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Travis Kelce Believes He Let Teammates Down in Super Bowl
Kelce finished with four catches for 39 yards in the loss, with all of that production coming in the second half with the game already out of reach. Virtually no one played well, though Kelce put the responsibility on himself.
"I feel like I owe the guys that I come into that building with a whole lot more effort and focus. I just don't know what it was during that game man, I wasn't at my best," Kelce said. "The more that I see clips or watch the film and put myself back into those moments, man, I'm just like 'what the f---.'"
Some have speculated that a trip to New York for dinner with Taylor Swift less than 48 hours before the contest contributed to the lackluster effort, though Kelce was doing that all year long. Instead, the turmoils of a long season and an aging body are more likely culprits.
The idea that Kelce wasn't fully engaged or focused is still unfortunate, but it speaks to his leadership that he's willing to take responsibility for his poor play.
That said, it sounds like Kelce is motivated to return to the Super Bowl and get the job done.
"That's how I find motivation," Kelce continued. "That's how I create the beast, that's how I flick the switch."
A hungry, angry Kelce means great things for the Chiefs and should terrify the rest of the NFL. Now, it's on the front office to ensure the roster around him is ready to hoist another Lombardi Trophy.