The news comes 16 days after the Chiefs were dominated by the Philadelphia Eagles 40-22 at Super Bowl LIX. They were denied a historic three-peat after attempting to become the first team in NFL history to win three consecutive Super Bowl titles.

Leading up to his fifth Super Bowl, Kelce repeatedly said he planned to play in 2025, but when he struck a different tone talking with his brother and podcast co-host Jason Kelce earlier this month, fans and football experts alike questioned his future.

Kelce addressed retirement rumors and what his professional future might hold following the Super Bowl LIX loss on the \"New Heights\" podcast, saying, \"I know everybody wants to know whether I'm playing next year, and right now, I'm just kicking everything down the road -- I'm not making any crazy decisions.\"

\"PHOTO:
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
PHOTO: Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs spikes the football in the end zone, Oct. 27, 2024 in Las Vegas.
>

\"I think I owe it to my teammates that, if I do come back, it's going to be something that it's a whole-hearted decision. Not half-assing it,\" he said. \"I'm fully here for them, and I think I could play. It's just whether or not I'm motivated or it's the best decision for me as a man, as a human and as a person to take on all of that responsibility.\"

The Chiefs have not commented publicly on Kelce's status for next season.

Travis Kelce NFL career highlights

\"PHOTO:
Jamie Squire/Getty Images
PHOTO: Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts prior to the AFC Championship Game against the Buffalo Bills at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Jan. 26, 2025 in Kansas City.
>

Although Kelce was largely a nonfactor for his team against the Eagles in New Orleans, he set the NFL record for most catches in Super Bowl history.

With four receptions on the night for 39 yards against the Eagles, Kelce notched a total 35 receptions in his five combined Super Bowl appearances, edging out NFL great Jerry Rice, who had 33.

While he was far and away the Chiefs' pass receptions leader with 97 in this past regular season, he had career lows in both yards (823) and touchdowns (three), per ESPN.

Kelce was the 63rd overall pick selected by the Chiefs in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft and went on to become a four-time All-Pro with three Super Bowl wins: LIV, LVII, LVIII.

ABC News' Katie Kindelan contributed to this report.

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