star quarterback has coyly addressed team-mate 's future, implying that their time together on the field may be nearing its finale. On Thursday, ex-NFL player and current ESPN personality Pat McAfee announced that Kelce has decided to stave off retirement and march back onto the field with the Chiefs in 2025.

This revelation closes down rumours of Kelce's potential exit from the NFL, but Mahomes hinted this could be a 'The Last Dance' scenario for the indomitable tight end and that a plan may be in place which would see Kelce retire at the end of next season.

Mahomes took to social media to spread the word about Kelce's return, opting to attach a GIF from the famed sports docuseries 'The Last Dance', which chronicled Michael Jordan's final charge for glory with the Chicago Bulls. This subtle gesture has led many to believe that Kelce, who notched up a below-par 823 yards and just three touchdowns last season, might bow out following the 2025 campaign.

Post-Super Bowl LIX - a game where the Chiefs felt the full force of the Philadelphia Eagles' prowess, losing 40-22 - there was speculation over whether Kelce would hang up his boots. The 35-year-old seasoned pro conceded he was not in a hurry to reach a verdict regarding his playing days.

However, after 18 days of deliberation, clarity was delivered during Thursday's episode of 'The Pat McAfee Show', where it was confirmed that Kelce will indeed suit up once more. "I'm coming back for sure," Kelce signalled according to McAfee.

"I'm gonna try and get to the best shape I've been this offseason, and get back to the mountain top. I've got a real bad taste in my mouth with how I played in that last game and how I got the guys ready for battle. I can't go out like that!"

As Super Bowl LIX approached on Feb. 9, the Chiefs were tantalisingly close to making history as the first team in the Super Bowl era to clinch a three-peat. However, their dreams were dashed by the Eagles, who dominated with a 40-6 lead before Mahomes' two late touchdowns softened the blow.

This marked the second Super Bowl defeat for Kelce and Mahomes, despite being three-time champions with the Chiefs. It was also the first playoff loss for the Chiefs since the 2021 AFC Championship game, and the scale of the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow.

Kelce was among the first Chiefs players to exit the Caesars Superdome, notably missing his post-game press conference. While retirement would still secure Kelce's status as a future Hall of Famer and one of the franchise's all-time greats, Mahomes is certain that individual honours are not his teammate's main concern.

"He can play as long as he wants to," Mahomes confidently stated when questioned about Kelce's career longevity. "He's focused on the ultimate mission of being the best football player that he can be. More than anything - more than I think he wants to even do it for himself - he just loves being in the building with his teammates and being a part of that."

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