Travis Kelce has long been the heartbeat of the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense, and now the question looming over Arrowhead is whether the future Hall of Famer will run it back for a 14th season.
As of now, Kelce hasn’t made his plans for 2026 public. But make no mistake-his return is something the Chiefs organization is openly hoping for. During a Tuesday appearance on Good Morning Football, team chairman and CEO Clark Hunt made it clear: the door is wide open, and they’d love nothing more than to see No. 87 back in red and gold next season.
“Well, as an organization, we certainly hope that he will come back,” Hunt said. “He had another great year-maybe not quite where he was four or five years ago-but still had over 800 yards and was really one of the leaders on the offensive side of the ball for us.”
And Hunt’s not wrong. Even at 36, Kelce continues to defy the typical aging curve for tight ends.
In 2025, he suited up for all 17 regular-season games, hauling in 76 receptions for 851 yards and five touchdowns. Those numbers weren’t just solid-they led the team across the board.
He remains one of the most reliable safety valves in the league, not to mention a nightmare matchup for defenses that still struggle to cover him over the middle.
Hunt acknowledged that Kelce’s offseason is already packed-he’s engaged and planning a wedding-so the organization is giving him space to make the call on his own timeline. “We’re trying to be respectful and let him have the time that he needs to make a decision,” Hunt added. “But we certainly hope that he’ll be back.”
It’s easy to see why. Beyond the stat sheet, Kelce brings a level of leadership and continuity that’s hard to replace. His chemistry with Patrick Mahomes is second to none, and his presence in the locker room is as impactful as his presence in the red zone.
This past season marked Kelce’s 11th straight Pro Bowl selection-a streak that speaks volumes about both his consistency and his dominance at the position. While his numbers may not have reached the historic highs of his peak years, he remains one of the league’s most dangerous offensive weapons and a key piece of Kansas City’s identity.
So now, the Chiefs-and the rest of the NFL-wait. If Kelce decides to return, it won’t just be a win for Kansas City. It’ll be a win for football fans everywhere who still enjoy watching a master at work.