told Kansas City Chiefs boss Andy Reid that he will continue in the NFL less than a week after their Super Bowl LIX defeat in February. The tight end, who is dating pop star Taylor Swift, waited nearly a month before revealing his decision to fans on March 5.
Kelce, who will turn 36 in October, claimed that he would take his time before deciding whether he will continue. He pointed out that the gruelling nature of the Chiefs' 2024 season and their run to the Super Bowl had taken its toll on his body. However, Reid has claimed that Kelce had privately made a swift decision to play on.
Reid told that Kelce made him aware of his plans "less than a week" after the Chiefs were beaten by the Philadelphia Eagles on February 9. The 67-year-old coach added: "I just wanted him to put it out there and not me. I always like guys to step back [at the end of the season], but he wants to come back and he's training like crazy too."
Kelce endured an underwhelming 2024 in the NFL. His average receiving yards (823) and touchdowns (3) were both career lows. But Reid pointed out that the American's form was due to injuries in the offensive line and warned the Chiefs' NFL rivals that Kelce continues to learn about the game.
He said: "I didn't think that was an issue this year, but I thought we were banged up at the outside positions and that doesn't help a tight end's cause at all. I just think the healthier we can be around him - he can still be productive.
"He's willing. He's learning when to come out, so he'll get himself out of the game when he needs it. And I think that'll just continue with age."
Kelce announced his decision to continue playing on March 5. Speaking on the New Heights podcast, which he co-hosts with his brother Jason, he said: "I think the biggest thing is that I f***ing love playing the game of football. I still feel I can play at a high level and possibly at a higher level than I did last year.
"I'm not a big measure the pros and cons [type of person, it was] pure gut feeling. I f***ing love this game. I don't think [2024] was my best outing. I think I let my guys down in a lot more moments than I helped them."
