'He still has that fire' – Chiefs GM Brett Veach sets the record straight on Travis Kelce retirement rumors
Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach put an end to any and all speculation about the organization's conversations with Travis Kelce regarding his retirement decision. And that started with him addressing which way he thinks Kelce is leaning. “How we left at the end of the season is that he was fired up. He […]
Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach put an end to any and all speculation about the organization's conversations with Travis Kelce regarding his retirement decision.
And that started with him addressing which way he thinks Kelce is leaning.
“How we left at the end of the season is that he was fired up. He has one more year under contract," Veach said at the 2025 scouting combine on Tuesday. "Still think he has that fire and desire to play."
According to reports, Kelce has until March 14 to make his retirement decision. Kelce is due a $11.5 million roster bonus on March 15, per Over The Cap. And with that, the NFL’s free agency period begins March 10.
However, Veach set the record straight and told reporters that there is no deadline for him to make this decision.
"As far as I’m concerned, there is no deadline," he continued. "We left it as he’d be back, and we’re excited to get him back. And get him going.”
“Hopefully he has a magical season to end his magical career,” Veach added.
This is the best news for Chiefs Kingdom, who appear to be getting back a leader on and off the field.
Head coach Andy Reid also confirmed that he spoke with Kelce.
"We did have a chance to talk before they left," Reid said. "That's up to Travis. At this point, it's 'Get out of town. They've played a lot of football here. So, step back, then we'll talk.'"
Kelce's brother implied last week that he thought his brother had already made a decision.
"I think Travis — I think he probably, in his heart, already knows what he wants to do," Jason Kelce said on The Steam Room podcast. "We're very similar people, but we also have different ways of thinking about things. Sometimes I can overanalyze situations, and any big decision I'm having in my life I'll think about the negatives and what about this or that.
"My brother has this way of being like, 'Hey man, you want to play or you don't want to play.'"
While there is no direct answer from Kelce yet, it's a good indiction that the Chiefs feel he will be back.
